How can I prevent my DIY tools from rusting?

Rust – it’s got a grip on us all.

As the season turns and grass, flowers, and weeds begin pushing through again, it’s worth casting an eye over your tools. Months of winter rain and snow take their toll on metal, and chances are you’ll find more than a few rusty surprises lurking in the shed. If you’re itching to get back into the garden or tackle some DIY, a little tool maintenance now will set you up for a much smoother start.

But before you dive in, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with. Where does rust actually come from? Which tools are most at risk? How does it form; and more importantly, how do you get rid of it? And once it’s gone, how do you stop it coming back?

Things you will need

Step 1

Make yourself comfortable

First of all, it’s best to set up outside or in your workshop. Next, lay down a dust sheet to protect the surrounding area. Then, place your tools either on the tarpaulin or in a container.

Step 2

Apply WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use

Pick up one of your tools and spray a generous amount of WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use onto it. You should leave the product to work for at least 10 minutes. Some people even recommend leaving it on overnight for stubborn rust stains and major mechanical jams.

Step 3

Scrub off the rust

After leaving it to soak in, scrub the metal to remove any rust residue. We recommend using metal brushes or sandpaper. You can spray some WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use onto your metal brush before scrubbing. The residue will come away from your tool. Then apply another coat of WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use and finally wipe it down.

Step 4

Choose the right product for your type of rust

If your product is covered in heavy rust that has built up over the years, WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use will not remove all the rust from your tool. The product will help loosen the rust particles. To remove all traces of rust, you will likely need to sand the metal using files or wire brushes fitted to a power tool.

However, it will help to free up mechanisms, for example, on secateurs. Oxidation often blocks the mechanisms of tools that need to cut, open or close. WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use will loosen the mechanism and help it work again.

At the very end of the process, apply another coat of WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use to achieve a clean finish and protect your tools from corrosion. WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use applies a protective layer to your tools.

You're done!

You should maintain your tools regularly to ensure they last as long as possible! Please feel free to send us any photos, videos or tips you have at home via our Facebook page or by email using the ‘Contact Us’ section on the website!

The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.