How to protect your tools from rust in the monsoon
Humid air is hard on steel. A few minutes of care after each job keeps your tools sharp, safe and working for years.
Dry them every time
Wipe tools with a dry cloth after use — especially if they have been in contact with water, soil or sweat. Moisture left on bare steel is where rust begins.
A thin film of oil
Wipe steel surfaces — spanner jaws, blades, drill bits, saw teeth — with a cloth lightly dampened with machine oil. The thin film keeps moisture off the metal.
Store them dry
- Keep tools in a closed box or cabinet, off the floor and away from damp walls
- Put a small packet of silica gel or another desiccant in the box and replace it from time to time
- Store power tools in their cases, and keep batteries somewhere cool and dry
If rust has started
Remove light rust with a wire brush or fine abrasive pad, or use a rust remover, then wipe the tool clean and oil it. Deep rust on a cutting edge or a precision surface may mean the tool needs replacing.
Check power tools too
Look at cords and plugs for damage and dampness before use, and never use a power tool with wet hands or in standing water.