tool storage

Betsy,

I would think that if they were in the living area of your house (not the basement), they should be OK.

Lew

I live in a very humid area, and my shop is open to the elements (grates instead of windows). So this is a big issue for me. Right now I keep all of my valuable (to me) tools in a plastic storage tub, with a dessicant (silica gel) packet inside. I bought it off of eBay, but I’m sure you can get them anywhere. You can get bigger ones for bigger spaces, too.

The best thing is that they are rechargeable. They soak up the moisture in the box, and have an indicator to let you know when they’re full. When they are, you just put them in the oven for a few hours at a low heat, and then back into the box they go! So far so good with my tools, and it’s been 9 months.

Another option I’m considering for my next shop (we’re moving soon) is a light box or hot box (not sure what it’s called). With that, you install a low-wattage light bulb inside the box that stays on all the time. The little bit of heat from the bulb burns up any moisture/humidity.

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

Hmmm.

Eric, I wouldn’t count on the light bulb burning up humidity (H20 is not flamable). It might keep it from condensing though. Truth is, the warmer air is the more moisture it can hold.

Betsy, if you’r running the AC it should be fine. the AC condenses the water out of the air.

We don’t have that problem in Northern CA. the humidity is ~20% in the summer. It’s the winter that gets humid (and rainy and gloomy)

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

Hi Betsy, thanks for all the hints and tips in all your posts. The few good woodworking tools I own which either high-end, gifts or sentimental are stored in my bedroom a Gerstner box which was found at a flea market. Planes are stored inside old socks coaled lightly with either wd40 or camellia oil. The other various tools are stored in the same manner. Granted this box is more a memory box or time capsule than a working toolbox, corrosion, pitting or rust seems to be minimal. Those little packets of silica gel in new shoe boxes also seem to help. Abrasive stones found at the better woodworking suppliers will also work wonders to clean up any signs of moisture damage. JM2cents. Hope this could be of some help, also a speedy return to your shop.

-- Ciao, gth.

Thanks for all the tips guys.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

i would use those rust prevention bags that are available from lee-valley.

I saw a tip… If you build a cabinet with drawers, make the drawer bottoms using perforated masonite (pegboard) to allow the flow of air around your tools and the dessicant container can do it’s job well.

-- God bless! Freddo (Northern - NJ) Our Creator designed us to create - so use WOOD!