posted 02-17-2007 06:10 PM            

A recent news story said that a climate change, which had started about six years ago, was causing the climate here in the northeast to be more humid than in most of the recorded past.

Here at ONC, we noticed this change without being told about it, because our iron and steel tools started to rust as they have never done before and the beginning of this was about six years ago.

Spoon bowl punches that are not used frequently now quickly develop a coating of surface rust, whereas in the past they mostly collected dust. Previously a tool had to sit unused for a few years before any rust developed, but now only a month or a few weeks will be enough time. We find that any infrequently used tool, be it a punch or hammer, has to be wire brushed and steel wooled, then given a spray of WD-40 to protect it.

Has any other silversmith noted this change in the effects of the climate on tools?

posted 02-24-2007 06:55 PM            

When were you in Boston? And was the building you were in closed tight or did the windows open? The tools on display in our showroom don't seem to have the rust problem and that may be due to it being closed up and air conditioned in the summer and of smaller size than the workshop and probably better heated in the winter.

As to Fred. You know, it's not nice to rub our noses in your dry climate. Seriously, I do envy you not having to stay on top of that problem.

I inquired of a tool supply company whether they had a tool protectant spray that did not dry out as WD-40 does, but they said that all such things dry out in time, so WD-40 is as good as anything.

posted 02-28-2007 12:52 PM            

It is non-toxic, has no fumes, is biodegradable and depending on the thickness of the rust, it works in minutes. No need to even wear gloves. Plus it is re-useable many times. I have since used it on tools, antique wrought iron and a few other things. It is one of the very few "miracle" products I have ever found and I would never be without it.

(Don't mean to sound like a commercial, but this is the best stuff I have ever for removing rust and I tried many.) The directions say once the rust is removed, dip the item in the Evapo-Rust and let it dry to prevent future rusting for at least two weeks. The humidity here is horrible and my lights still have no rust after three years! You should be able to find it online easily.

posted 02-28-2007 01:32 PM            

The old-fashioned approach was to use a heavy grease coating, which doesn't dry out like WD-40 but does have to be removed before use. I've wondered if storing them in a cabinet with a desiccant might be sufficient, but can't speak to any experience there.

posted 03-03-2007 11:27 AM            

Maybe rust on your stakes wiil be the least of your problems and building a dock for your row boat to tie up to at the workshop will be more important...?

Has anyone tried Vasoline?

posted 03-03-2007 12:14 PM            

You might try using Renaissance Wax.
It won't be a lasting solution any more than WD40.
I don't think it would have to reapplied as often as WD40.
I suppose if you were good about giving any recently used tool a touch up wipe down with Renaissance Wax it could be a very long lasting solution.

Also see prior post: Displaying SS Christmas Ornaments