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questions on using gun blue to protect hand tools

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Dave Jones 109/01/2011 10:42:33
85 forum posts
5 photos
Morning all,
I was wondering if anyone has ever used gun blue before? I suffer from the condensation curse in my garage and although I have mostly cured it, my tools seem to attract rust like a magnet!! Has anyone used gun blue to protect steel tools before (rulers, pliers, spanners for example). 
I have previously used the good old technique of heat the part and dunk it in old engine oil, but not on my tools.  This works well I dont like the idea of heating my hand tools!
Would gun blue be suitable for this?
Regards Dave
 

Edited By Dave Jones 1 on 09/01/2011 10:46:11

KWIL09/01/2011 11:01:23
3681 forum posts
70 photos
Not really as it is only another form of chemical blacking (bluing). I find a better method is to use Camellia Oil, this is exceptionally thin and is used by woodworking craftsmen to protect their tools. It does protect tools, latheparts etc and does not leave you with a messy surface to clean up before use.

Edited By KWIL on 09/01/2011 11:01:44

macmarch09/01/2011 11:17:37
147 forum posts
1 photos
Hi Dave,
 
Do you use any form of heating?  How do you enter your worshop?
 
I had this problem until I locked the up and over garage door, lined the inside with rock wall insulation and then erected a plasterboard wall. This now hold shelves. If I need to open the door it only takes about 20 minutes to dismantle the wall.  The benefit being there is no outside damp air coming in under the door.  I added a side door to the garage. I live in the fens so we know all about damp air. My heating consists of an oil filled rad, (Lidl) set to hold the temp at 5C.  The little fan in the side of the heater will bring the temp up to 20C in about 15 minutes.
 
You say that the rust enjoys attacking your tools.  Do you suffer from the engineers curse of rusty hands? If so then I would reccommend the use of PR88.  (do a google search).
 
cheers
 
Ray
 
Mike09/01/2011 14:24:02
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713 forum posts
6 photos
Many years ago I tried using gun blue on tools, and I can tell you it doesn't prevent rust. Gun barrels can still go rusty in a damp atmosphere, despite being blued. And on tools, unless they are very carefully cleaned and oiled after the blueing process, it actually promotes rust.
My workshop is an unheated concrete building close to the sea in the North of Scotland, and the battle against rust is constant. Coating with oil seems to be the only answer, but I am currently experimenting with some big moisture-absorbing sachets called Super Dry, intended for absorbing condensation in boats and caravans. Early experience seems reasonably promising - but I am not giving up on the oil!
Gordon W09/01/2011 16:00:16
2011 forum posts
I also live in N Scotland, can recommend the silica-gel bags/pads. I have them in a drawer in "outside" workshop, currently under snow, and with a wipe of oily rag does keep the rust away. Just dry the bags once a year. Most of mine came from packing in machines etc. and are usually thrown away. Gun blue does not prevent rust, not on mine anyway.
Terryd09/01/2011 16:32:19
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1946 forum posts
179 photos
Hi Dave,
 
I'm not sure about Gun Blue, but I can recommend these protective products from Arc Eurotrade, I've used the wax and the liquid in an unheated outdoor workshop with good results.  Like Gordon, I use Silica Gel sachets but I have to buy them from eBay, they are not expensive.  I use normal size sachets and 100 gram bags for my machines which I keep under waterproof covers not textile ones which absorb moisture. 
 
Regards
 
Terry
 
P.S. No connection to either supplier, just a satisfied customer

Edited By Terryd on 09/01/2011 16:33:20

Jon09/01/2011 17:48:23
1001 forum posts
49 photos
Gun blacking, browning and blueing are same things and are a form of rust.
Hot blacking around 155 degrees may deter to some extent but it will still go rusty. Dont waste your dosh on the cold blue, pretty much wipes off.
 
Did the same in a garage, partitioned off some years ago with that cheap interlocking floorboard.

Oil filled heater and quick heat by infra red.

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