95, страница 42

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When it comes to hand tools, I'm mainly concerned with keeping them tuned up and sharp. But there are also a few simple things you can do to prevent rust.

A Quick Wipe. Steve Johnson, our shop craftsman, uses his hand tools quite a bit. When he's putting them away at the end of the day, he just gives them a quick wipe with camellia oil (main photo above). It takes no time at all to apply and he says he's never had a problem with rust, even in his basement shop.

You might think that any lightweight oil would do the trick. But unlike camellia oil, it may stain the wood.

Aerosols. Another quick and easy solution is to use a spray. And if you walk down the aisle at the hardware store, you'll find dozens of spray products that claim to prevent rust. The idea is

to form a protective barrier against moisture on the steel. But for woodworkers, it's also important to know what's in the product.

No Silicone. Using any product that contains silicone or Teflon can spell trouble when it comes time to finish your project. If it rubs off onto the wood, the finish may not adhere properly. So it's best to steer clear of these products altogether.

A Quick Spray. When choosing a rust-preventative for my tools, I like to use products that are

A Corrosive Fingerprints. Sweat and skin oils can be corrosive. A quick wipe after use is a good way to prevent rust.

42 ShopNotes No. 95

It always amazes me how quickly rust can appear on a tool. Sometimes it happens overnight. And even some types of tool guards can cause rust in a damp shop (margin photo at left). The good news is that there are several ways to protect your hand and power tools that won't require a lot of time or effort. Some are even a bit unconventional, but effective.

Cleaning. The first step in preventing rust is to remove any corrosion, dirt, and grime already on your tools. A little solvent like paint thinner, lacquer thinner, or denatured alcohol on a rag will tackle most grime. And for light rust, you can use Sandflex Rust Eraser blocks or 3M's Scotcli-Brite (refer to Sources on page 51). With the tool clean and dry, you're ready to take the steps needed to help keep rust at bay. How you do this depends on whether it's a hand tool or a stationary power tool.

▼ Trapped Moisture.

Plastic guards can trap moisture against the steel,

causing rust.