80 - Heirloom Tool Cabinet, страница 47

Paste Wax. One of the oldest and easiest solutions is to use paste wax

C(see inset page 46). It's inexpensive and a good way to seal the tops of large tools. Just apply a thin coat, like you do when you wax your car (but don't use car wax). Then let the wax dry and buff it out. The wax forms a barrier to moisture and oxygen.

Aerosol Sprays. Rust sealers can be applied in different ways. I like aerosol sprays because they're easy to apply, dry quickly, and get into all the little nooks and crannies.

Botxfu't'id T-9 is an aerosoI sea/er that's made up of various solvents, lubricants, and paraffin wax. Just spraying on a light film and wiping it off protects and lubricates your tools. Once dry, there's no oily film. So it won't interfere with the finish on your project workpiece.

If you want to protect a tool during a period of non-use (like over the summer), just spray it on and let it set. Then when you're ready to use the tool again, all you need to do is buff it out.

Another product I like is TopCote. It also comes in an aerosol spray. Just spray it on and let it dry for a few seconds. Then rub it out with«? clean cloth. You'll need to reapply any of these products occasionally to ensure continued protection.

If your tools are stored in a tool box, tool chest, or other enclosed area, a dessicant like silica gel or the Tool Buddy Moisture Eliminator can help keep them rust-free. These work the same as those small packets you find packed in with electronics, cameras, and other items when you receive them.

The bag, like you see in the photo above, is filled with small chemical crystals that absorb moisture from the air. But it must be

replaced when the crystals can't absorb any more moisture.

A new product that provides longer-term protection in enclosed spaces is vapor inhibitors. They're simple to use and won't harm your tools. To learn more about these, check out the box below.

Using techniques like these and a few minutes of time, you can keep your tools looking like new. You'll find sources for products to help you listed on page 51.

Long-Term Protection:

Rust Inhibitors

A relatively new way to protect your tools from rust involves a special substance placed in an enclosed spaa', like a tool box or tool chest. This substance gives off protective vapors that spread through the air. Once these vapors contact the metal surfaa\ they form a thin invisible layer that prevents oxidation (interaction of air and moisture with metal). The coating inhibits the formation of rust and corrosion for up to a year. It won't change the look or feel of the tool. And it doesn't leave any residue that might interfere with finishing.

You can get these inhibitors in a cup or strip for use in small tool boxes or drawers. The Bullfrog Shield (photo at right) is made to be used in larger tool storage containers and tool boxes. They're also nontoxic and environmentally safe.

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Toolwipes. When

it comes to small hand tools, Bullfrog Toolwipes (see photo bottom page 46) are one of the easiest products to use. You use them just like baby wipes. It only takes a few seconds to apply a coating that keeps the moisture out. I use them to wipe down my tools when I finish using them.

REMOVE THE MOISTURE

A Dessicants.

Crystals in the package pull moisture out of the air, preventing rust formation. The blue dot on the front of the package turns pink when it's time replace the bag.