Protecting Precision Tools

[Mike V]

I'm starting to collect a lot of precision measuring tools.  I always keep my precision tools clean, well secured in their plastic bags and stored in their designed containers but ... I've recently noticed due to the moist ambient conditions here in San Diego some of my precision tools are obtaining slight corrosion.  I want to keep them operating smoothly on their beams, anvils, etc., and keep their finish in good condition.

Can anyone recommend a specific lubrication for these precision instruments to keep them looking and operating to their potential?

3-in-1 oil / motor oil / special tooling oil /

WD40 is not in the selection consideration due to it's volatility and properties.

-Mike V.

[Barry]

Mike

I recall using something called light machine oil which was not unlike 3 in 1 oil. That's just a generalisation though and I don't know where you would buy something called light machine oil in small quantities.

3 in 1 might be fine but I can understand a slight reluctance because it could have additives like WD40.   I guess what you want is a very thin pure oil that's readily available so how about sewing machine oil or for something specific there is this if it's available in the US:-

http://www.easupplies.com/STARRETT-1620-Tool-and-Instrument-Oil-p/lu12g8.htm

Another option might be retailers of quality Japanese knives or swords. They would have something for protecting the blades.

[Mike V]

Thanks Barry,

Some great recommendations.  I was going to try the 3-in-1 oil.  It's light and has corrosite protectant properties.  I've often wondered what the manufacturers use when packaging tools such as these.  3-in-1 used to be a household standard years ago.  I have a can in the shop that's probably 30 years old that I use for light assembly lubrication and wheel bearing  preload measurments.  Also thought about sewing machine oil.  Probably nearly the same stuff.

Am I dating myself?

-Mike V.

[wilcom]

You might try what ever the "gun Community" uses. They are pretty fanatical about keeping things clean and stopping corrosion.

[Bob_Roller]

The Starrett oil, is a standard in the aviation industry for precision tooling, and air tool lubrication .

I've been using it since 1976 .

It doesn't leave a varnish like coating when it does dry out, like 3-In-1 oil, or WD40 .

[montmil]

I have a pop up plastic container of disposable gun oil wipes that both cleans and protects my nicer tools. Sourced from, well, a local gun emporium.

You mentioned storing the instruments in their "designed containers" which is what I also do. However, IMO, I would ditch the plastic bags and add a small 0.5 - 1.0 gram silica desicant packet.

Some time back, I purchased a quantity of Tyvek-packaged silica gel packets from http://SilicaGelPackets.com

With the gun wipes and silica gel packets, there have been to problems with maintaining a like new finish and performance from my tools.

[Mike V]

You mentioned storing the instruments in their "designed containers" which is what I also do. However, IMO, I would ditch the plastic bags and add a small 0.5 - 1.0 gram silica desicant packet

Monte-Bob-Joe,

I agree, I'm going to ditch the plastic bags.  I have the silica packets but I think they get saturated and lose their effectiveness after a while, even though I still store them in the cases. Wish I had wood cases for all my instruments but some are encased in plastic fitted cases.  I would prefer wood like most of my calipers are collected in.  The plastic bags will just add to my problems not allowing the instrument(s) to breathe.

Bob, does 3-in-1 oil leave a residue?  Never paid much attention.

Great recommendations regarding the gun and aviation oils.  Didn't think of that and I'll look into it. Thanks for the opinions and links guys.  Good excuse to visit the gun shop.

[montmil]

You can dry out silica gel packets by baking them in the oven at about 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Frugal guys know these things.

[Mike V]

You can dry out silica gel packets by baking them in the oven at about 250 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Frugal guys know these things.

Love it!

[k_enn]

If you are ok with an oil coating, any oil used to lubricate air tools should do.  

As an alternative, you could wipe the tools down with a silicon gun cloth.  I have used one for years when handling firearms to displace any moisture that may be transmitted from your hands.  The drawback it that they only work where you can wipe - if you can't get the cloth in a spot you are leaving it unprotected unless you get something else in there.  

A silicon spray may work.  I use that on the alternator of my truck when I am likely to encounter water crossings when off road.  It will get in where you need it, and will keep the moisture away from the metal (and other surfaces).  

[nhmaf]

Some friends of mine who regularly use swords and armour for historical study and re-enactment use a type of wax on their metal objects to prevent corrosion.   It doesn't provide lubrication, but they really aren't looking to make their swords, shields, bucklers, rapiers, etc. slippery in their hands either.

As to humidity control, I use a Remington dehumidifer for my gun safe and it works quite well - it costs $25, but has an enclosed gel pac and built in heating element in a simple plastic case.    The gel pack is good for 5 years or more - simply put the unit in your closed cabinet/toolbox and it will abosrb up to 6oz of moisture.   When the color indicator goes from blue to bright pink, just take it out and plug it into your AC receptable for 8 hours - it will warm up and dry out the gel and be good as new again - simply put back in the cabinet again.  Repeat.  Mine seems to do a pretty good job in my gun safe, which holds about 12 guns and is in a slightly humid basement.

[livingdeadhead]

what i use in my garage (used, haven't got one at the new house yet) are old oil containers or similar with salt in them , they use this idea in the caravan parks in the uk, traps lots of moisture , cheap too! 8-)