Preventing rust while storing collets

[canerodscom]

Hi friends,

The nearly constant high humidity here in Louisiana will eventually rust almost anything. With the work I do I use a dozen or so collets about 90% of the time, while the other 40-50 collets sit for months without being used. Those collets used regularly stay shiny and bright, but those left in the rack often show a light coat of rust unless covered with a thick oil. The same is true for chucks, HSS bits, faceplates, and almost anything else.

Maybe I'm lazy, but when I need one of those tools which is used less often for a quick job I don't want to spend 15 minutes cleaning off cosmoline or some other heavy surface protector. Any suggestions on a good light oil to prevent rust which cleans up easily?

Thanks,

Harry

 

[MikeWi]

I use Breakfree CLP on my guns, and whatever else I need to protect from rust. It's not really a lubricant so much as a metal protector, and it does a fantastic job. It was used by our military for quite some time but has been replaced by an upstart.

 

[AR1911]

my current rust control strategy is a dehumidifier and fans.
works well

 

[kd4gij]

+1 on Breakfree CLP I use it on my guns and machine tools. Works great. I live in FL. on the coast.

 

[hman]

I've had pretty good luck with Boeshield T-9.

My shop is in my (unheated) garage in Oregon. Several times a year, a relatively long spell of cold weather will be followed closely by some hot and humid days. Every metal surface in the garage will "sweat" on those occasions. T-9 has done a good job of protecting things and requires little or no cleanup. For instance, my R8 collets are good as is. Cast iron saw tables need a wipe-down before cutting wood that I don't want to get oily.

- hman
(John Herrmann)

 

[canerodscom]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Sounds like a good high tech spray lubricant is probably most popular, along with good air movement. All ideas are appreciated.

Any more suggestions?

Harry

 

[bcall2043]

I have found that LPS 3 http://www.lpslabs.com/product_pg/corrosion_pg/LPS3.html works well for tools stored in the open shop. Quick wipe and they are ready to use. I also like the old military ammo boxs for storage of collets and tooling not used often. The boxes have air tight lid seals so that moister cannot get to them. Machine oil seems to work okay for tools stored in the boxes.

Benny
The Orphanage Never Closes

 

[Splat]

Another vote for LPS #3. Easily available at ACE hardware stores and I'm sure most industrial supply houses.

 

[Restorer]

I use "Ed's Red", developed by Col. Ed Hatcher in the late 1940's.

Google it for a complete story or just mix some up.

1 quart Automatic Transmission fluid
1 quart Kerosene
1 quart Stoddard fluid
1 quart Acetone

A gallon will last a while. This is far less expensive than LPS, WD-40 etc.

I apply by wiping, dipping or spray with a recycled pump container.

This works very well as a solvent & rust preventative.

 

[PurpLev]

as an added safety precaution I keep everything that I can (read - small tools/tooling/parts/etc) in enclosed drawers/cabinet

I wipe raw metal surfaces with Johnson paste wax. once dries it creates a film that doesn't need to be wiped off, and isn't oily. I tried T9 in the past and find that Johnson paste wax (available at the local hardware/BORG store) gives me better results for a longer period of time between applications (could be it's just me).