On Monday, June 24, 2002 6:08 AM, Crusty Russ wrote:

> I carry a dive specific tool kit with us whenever we travel.  Many of
> the tools I've chosen over the years are stainless steel, but a few old
> favorites are carbon steel.  Some of these are showing signs of rust and
> are in need of cleaning and treatment.

> Before beginning my usual treatment of spraying the tools with LPS,
> giving them a good scrub to remove rust and pits, followed by a spray of
> WD40 or silicone spray, I thought it would be a good idea to see how
> many of you who live a bit closer to the marine environment deal with
> this problem.
>
> I would appreciate any and all tips on what you do to remove rust, what
> you use to lubricate the working parts of the tool, and what you use for
> rust preventive treatments.

Different metals usually require differing amounts of care.  For most tool
items , I usually give a periodic rinse out in fresh water to remove any
salt deposit, if necessary remove any rust blemishes using a light rub with
fine quality glasspaper, dry them carefully and then spray with WD 40 - or
an equivalent - taking care to properly spray any moving parts, (ratchet
spanners! etc.).  Where pitting occurs, I clean out the spot and apply a
generous dollop of fish-oil.  It smells, but that's all part of the glamour!
:-)

Because carbon steel, (I rarely use it now, but still reckon that it's a
great knife.  Not least for the fact that you can put a sharper edge onto
carbon steel than you can with stainless) is more prone to rust, treatments
are more regular, and finished off with a coating of LG (Lime Grease) 280 to
inhibit corrosion.  It doesn't look neat - and you can kiss goodbye to
crisp, clean clothes that come in contact with it - but it's effective!  :-)

Strike