Protecting your power tools from rust can sometimes feel like a full time job. We cannot guarantee that our power tools will be free from these harsh elements if we keep them in a high humidity storage space like garages and basements There are simple stuffs that you can do to lessen your time cleaning your power tools .
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Newly purchased power tools are always covered with cosmoline a thick waxy protective coating to protect it from rust. Before using the tool this coating should be removed and this will place your tools unprotected. Often times we strip our power tools of cosmoline without thinking of the need for ongoing protection .
Protecting our power tools would mean that we need to coat them again to keep away moisture. The easiest and most effective method is to apply one of the commercially available rust preventative sprays. Boeshield T-9 and the Empire Top Saver are the two most popular brands.These sprays should be applied all over the tool making sure that there is no excesses left and this should be done periodically .
Regardless of how safe we are able to keep our tools it is no guarantee that it will be protected from the rust . And if you leave it alone for a longer period of time it will definitely destroy it completely.
This jointer was left unprotected. You can already see the increase in sawdust that invites rust to settle. After a couple of years this cast iron will need care.
The old methods of rust removal generally focused on using abrasives such as steel wool. While this works, it is difficult to get the abrasives into the pits created by rust. We now have products that can make everything easier .
There is this new product in the market called Boeshield it is a rust remover product that can handle the job instantly. This is great on large tools that can't be soaked on rust solutions . All you need to do is spray it all over the area then let it stay for a minute then wipe. Using an abrasive tool such as steel wool will aid in removing any rust left.
After these steps the jointer will now be rust free and is ready for the second stage of rust protection . If you examine the jointer you will see rust pits that is caused by rusts that was there before cleaning. No method of rust removal can fill in a rust pit once the rust has consumed the metal.
Most rust removal sprays contain some type of acid. These acids will dissolve rust very quickly and the metal very slowly. When using Rust Free or any other spray, be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to avoid contact with eyes and skin.
By following these methods of rust prevention and rust removal your cast iron power tools will last a lifetime.
