Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Tools and Lubricants => Topic started by: pjstevko on November 04, 2018, 07:51:37 PM

Title: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: pjstevko on November 04, 2018, 07:51:37 PM
I just received a beautiful pair of wrapped cutters and pliers and need to know how to prevent them from rusting?

The pliers showed signs of rust after one day of use on the boat.....


Thanks

Pj
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Rivverrat on November 04, 2018, 07:57:16 PM
Outside of having them plated or a regular coat of oil/ grease there is really nothing.

If you do come up with "Another Way" please let the rest of us know. The handles being chord rapped presents issues.. Jeff
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: STRIPER LOU on November 04, 2018, 08:06:45 PM
I think your stuck with what Jeff suggested.

You might consider lightly soaking and old rag or t shirt in you favorite oil and storing these wrapped up and in a plastic ziplock bag. All my boating tools are stored this way.
All are plain steel and still look good as most have been my boating tools for over 30yrs.

.............Lou
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Midway Tommy on November 04, 2018, 08:11:10 PM
Actually, coating metal products with Penetrol will subdue rust (https://www.flood.com/products/paint-additives/penetrol-oil-based-paint-additive) for awhile. Like with any preservative coating, though, it has to be reapplied after time. 
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: George6308 on November 04, 2018, 08:51:10 PM
You might try new WD-40 rust soak and spray corrosion preventative spray. Brownell's may also have a product that you could coat your steel tools to prevent rust.
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: oc1 on November 04, 2018, 09:12:01 PM
Yes, what they said.  You have to stay after it but over time it gets a little easier.  Something happens as the metal darkens and a patina develops.  Unfortunately, those grips are also going to darken.
-steve
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on November 04, 2018, 09:20:13 PM
Apply CorrosionX or TSI321 to the joints and wipe the excess over the rest of the tool (works for me ;)). Going for a stainless product might be better :-\
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: RowdyW on November 04, 2018, 09:23:05 PM
It might be better to replace them with stainless steel items. Easier to maintain.            Rudy
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: thorhammer on November 04, 2018, 10:02:49 PM
Wipe with Corrsion Block, not X. It's more tenacious. After I do this i wrap in a shop towel sprayed liberally with whatever oil I have handy. It works well, and i do this on crimpers, hook files etc that are not readily available economically in SS. I keep them in planos unless on my person in my offshore bag, which basically gets drowned every trip, and it works well.


John
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: pjstevko on November 04, 2018, 10:38:59 PM
Anyone have any experience with Salt Away (http://www.saltawayproducts.com/16ozPage.htm)?

Seems like it might be worth checking out.....

Thanks for all the suggestions...

Pj
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: foakes on November 04, 2018, 11:58:56 PM
If you spray the tools with WD-40 Rust Inhibitor periodically — you will be fine.

I used to work with a farmer who had very old shovels and hoes that lasted probably 30 or 40 years.

His secret? — He sharpened the shovels and hoes with a portable grinder about every 6 months.

Then, after each use in the muddy fields — he would spray them off with water to remove the mud & crud — then spray them down with WD-40 Rust Inhibitor — and just hang them up in the barn.

They would get a darker patina —  plus were smoother than a new tool.

Some of the WD-40 would adhere to the surface even when towel dried.

The cord wrapped handles present a different different issue which means either you don't mind getting oil on the cording — or cruddy rust develops under the cording.

The cording looks cool — but is a little impractical for tools exposed to water, air, and salt — since it shields some of the handle from getting protection.

Either way, ChannelLock is a good brand.

Even SS will rust if not taken care of properly.

Just my opinions.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: RowdyW on November 04, 2018, 11:59:21 PM
I use Salt Away on my rods & reels after a fresh water rinse.            Rudy
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Midway Tommy on November 05, 2018, 12:38:21 AM
The thing I like about Penetrol is that it soaks into the steel and also adds a thin protective coating to the outside, sort of like a very thin clear coat, although it does have a slight oily look after it dries, but it is not oily or greasy like many of the commonly used rust protectors. I can't stand the after affects and smell of WD40 so I rarely use it for anything other than lubing the pivot joints on side cutters, wireman's pliers , etc.
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: pjstevko on November 05, 2018, 12:54:43 AM
I appreciate all the info on the different products, I'll definitely look into some of them....

The cordage around the handles has already been sealed with some product but I'm unsure of what it is....

I'll take care of them the best I can and see how long they last
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: JoseCuervo on November 05, 2018, 01:11:55 AM
How does carbon steel with a vinegar etch hold up at sea, any better than plain steel?
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Bryan Young on November 05, 2018, 01:49:19 AM
I just spray with TSI301
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: oc1 on November 05, 2018, 02:08:18 AM
I think the vinegar etch will make it rust faster until the metal skins over again.

Fred, we used to have a bucket of sand with burnt oil poured over it.  After use, garden tools were plunged in and out of the oily sand before going back on the rack.  The bucket always looked really nasty but the tools didn't rust.
-steve 
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on November 05, 2018, 02:27:45 AM
The cord on the handles will still allow rust/corrosion to develop underneath
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: broadway on November 05, 2018, 02:31:30 AM
Hey PJ,
  Yes, I have plenty of experience with Salt Away and absolutely love the product, however this isn't the job for it.  It will get rid of salt residue but won't keep them from rusting even with the inhibitors it has in it.
The crew is correct when they say to wrap it in an oiled rag and drop in a ziplock.  If they get corrosion or rusted shut you can try the salt away, but as Rudy said it's more of a rod and reel rinse down to remove salt without warm water.  It works excellent for screws or any part that is "stuck" in a reel.  If a reel is very badly corroded I just drop it in a bucket of water and add salt away.  The next day it's freed up.
Best of luck,
Dom
PS- nice wraps on this pliers ;)
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Ron Jones on November 05, 2018, 03:05:53 AM
I am working on my knots in order to wrap a set of tools, and my plan is to bake on a layer of cerakote before I wrap. It is sort of like treating disk brake rotors. Once you use them, the coating wears way where it needs to but continues to protect everywhere else. If Cerakote isn't good enough, I don't know what would be.
The Man
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: oc1 on November 05, 2018, 08:10:33 AM
Quote from: broadway on November 05, 2018, 02:31:30 AM
Salt Away
It works excellent for screws or any part that is "stuck" in a reel.  If a reel is very badly corroded I just drop it in a bucket of water and add salt away.  The next day it's freed up.
Thank you for the tip Dom.  I'm going to try that.
-steve
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: thorhammer on November 05, 2018, 05:39:37 PM
Quote from: Ron Jones on November 05, 2018, 03:05:53 AM
I am working on my knots in order to wrap a set of tools, and my plan is to bake on a layer of cerakote before I wrap. It is sort of like treating disk brake rotors. Once you use them, the coating wears way where it needs to but continues to protect everywhere else. If Cerakote isn't good enough, I don't know what would be.
The Man

Ron, when I wrap tool handles I apply a thin coat of epoxy or gorilla glue (careful, it expands!!!) then handlay the cord on with a whip finish. This holds the cord in place forever and also provides a water impermeable barrier to the metal...well maybe not forever but it's been about nine years since I did a set and no signs of coming loose...I did needle-nose, dikes, pliers, and wire nippers that are my primary rigging / bench tools.
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Lunker Larry on November 05, 2018, 05:54:55 PM
I don't buy expensive tools that could end up in Davie Jones' tool box. Don't care what they look like as long as they do what they's supposed to do. WD40 when needed but I follow it up with a heavier oil for the joints etc. The WD40 carries the heavier lubricant into those tight fittings and it lasts longer. I also keep one of those small cans in the boat.
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Frank on November 05, 2018, 06:31:25 PM
I consider them a disposable item. I keep mine stored in Liquid Wrench when not using. Usually lose them over the side before they rust up bad enough that they are unusable. As a Party and Charter boat mate/captain for over 50 years I can't tell you how many pair of pliers I've been through.
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: oc1 on November 05, 2018, 08:25:47 PM
Or, just get some of these:
https://www.tackledirect.com/calcutta-cg10p-7-5-7-1-2in-pliers-w-carbide-cutter-sheath-lanyard.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8f_eBRDcARIsAEKwRGewKH0ChofMhq15h2QD8vAOouM12gGqzZsFTQC1PziX5oADhEKwQYEaAlrTEALw_wcB (https://www.tackledirect.com/calcutta-cg10p-7-5-7-1-2in-pliers-w-carbide-cutter-sheath-lanyard.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8f_eBRDcARIsAEKwRGewKH0ChofMhq15h2QD8vAOouM12gGqzZsFTQC1PziX5oADhEKwQYEaAlrTEALw_wcB)
Mine pretty much stay wet and salty.  The finish holds up and they just get a drop of oil on the hinge every few months.  They cut braid too.
-steve
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Bill B on November 05, 2018, 09:41:47 PM
I treat my needle nose and side cutters like my reels....After every trip they get cleaned and oiled (anything within arms reach) then put away wet (with oil).  The nylon belt sheath I carry them in has so much oil on it it stains my pants and is somewhat water proof, think oilskin slickers.     Bill
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: pjstevko on November 08, 2018, 05:59:45 PM
So I found out that the tool handles were coated with Flexcoat 5 minute epoxy after they were wrapped with the cord. The epoxy should offer some good protection but I can always reapply if I see anything bad happening...

As far as the surface rust issue I decided to give Penetrol a try since my local hardware store had a quart on clearance for $7....After researching the product provided plenty of great reviews I'm sure it will more than meet my needs

Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Gfish on November 08, 2018, 10:20:16 PM
Yeah. The worst deal is grab your pliers when you really need 'em(i.e., unhookin a barracuda) and they's froze-up. I gave up gettin gooduns and use bargin-bin ones that I godda check and lube(joints only)the night before, sos I don't get lube all over my hand--fish slime only, please.
Title: Re: Rust prevention on Channellock pliers
Post by: Fishy247 on November 08, 2018, 11:45:08 PM
I've been using the absolute cheapest I can find for the same reasons that Frank stated. If I lose em, I'm out what, 3 bucks? What's kinda strange to me though, is my cheapies seem to last longer and hold up better than the more expensive ones I've had. They cut braid almost as well as scissors and when they get a little dull, they are easy to touch up with a file because the steel tends to be softer. They also don't tend to develop much side to side slop. Since I discovered TSI321, I've been using it on anything metal that moves and it really seems to keep my cutters from seizing. They might get a little stiff if I don't use them in a while, but another drop or 2 on the joint and it opens right up.

As far as the surface rust goes, I just leave it on there and wear it like a badge of honor...lol

That's a really nice set though. To protect that finish, I'd do a light coat of TSI, wipe off the excess, then do a light coat of grease prior to putting them away. If you have a pliers sheath, just keep them stored in that.

Mike