Help for Rust on tools

[Obie]

Ace Hardware in Pahoa has LPS-3.It is the same thing as Boesheild.

[dmbwest]

Bike shops have Tri-Flow and Boesheild + beeswax applied typically makes things more 'grippy' for humans.

[DanielP]

The rust has dulled your files. Best to replace them.

[oink]

Long ago I read in a gunsmith mag about using acid to bring back rusted files. I don't recall the exact procedure but I'm guessing it involves removing all oil from the file before dipping it in the acid. I don't recall how long to leave in the acid or which acid. I would think muriatic. As I recall it didn't promise to make them like new but give more life when rusted. The article involved some sort of test that showed that the points got sharper.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[DanielP]

The rust oxidizes and destroys the cutting edges. Can't see 'em, but they are not sharp and cannot be saved, unless you like to use dull files.

Dan

[oink]

This is not the original article I read years ago but a quick search turned it up: http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/gen...imm-84026/
and
http://swingleydev.com/archive/get.php?m..._id=157695&submit_thread=1
and
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showt...hp?t=38676

It appears it does work at least to some degree.

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.

[hawaiideborah]

so if I have to purchase new files, how will I keep them from rusting?
Is it ok to put the oil or corrosion block on the files?
How to keep rust off files is the main question. Seems the oil dulls the file.

[DanielP]

You can use some cutting oil. Look in the plumbing department for thread cutting oil, or keep them in with some dessicant. You could use a lubricating oil for storage, but clean it off thoroughly before using them. For storage you might wrap them in an oiled rag.

Dan

[dmbwest]

Lefty here, FWIW, I go though about 2 files a month as and then donate them to right handed friends to use the 'other side' of them ... Now if I could just get all the rightys from about 90% of the population, I would never have to buy again.
I keep the files outside but use them often so rust not a problem ...

aloha,
pog

[quikdraw]

Try keeping your tools oiled with tri-flow or a sewing machine oil that does not have a penetrating solvent like wd-40.On this side of the Island anything with a penetrating solvent base with make your tools rust really fast.Use a scotch bright pad to remove surface rust.Try a cedar box for storage.