{"id":125166,"date":"2025-01-06T22:25:14","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T06:25:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=125166"},"modified":"2025-11-10T20:46:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T04:46:49","slug":"how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Rust Off Your Garage Tools"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column125166_b65c27-b0 inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-891a80  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-15973d\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading125166_962cd9-8e\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rust forms as a result of oxidation, which is the chemical reaction that takes place when iron or steel reacts with oxygen and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;If your tools are too big to fit into a container, you can wrap them in a vinegar-soaked cloth with salt and seal them in a plastic bag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When dealing with oxalic acid, always remember that it&rsquo;s a harsh chemical that can lead to health and safety issues when mishandled.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/tools\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"set of tools\">set of tools<\/a> certainly makes DIY repair and maintenance tasks easier, but even these contraptions will need some help if you want to keep them around for a long time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rust is every tool&rsquo;s worst enemy, and a lot of people tend to give up on cleaning it off their stuff. Fortunately, there are some ways to get around this problem, and they only involve a few simple steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does Rust Form in the First Place?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before anything else, it would be helpful to get a good grasp of how rust forms on metal tools. That way, you can avoid dealing with the same problem when working on your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"car tools rusting\" class=\"wp-image-125169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tools-rusting.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rust can form on any iron-containing metal. When water comes into contact with an iron object, the water combines with carbon dioxide in the air, forming a weak carbonic acid.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rust is essentially iron oxide. It&rsquo;s a type of corrosion that forms as a result of oxidation, which is the chemical reaction that takes place when iron reacts with oxygen and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rusting is an electrochemical process that involves the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Anode &ndash; any piece of metal that gives up electrons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrolyte &ndash; a solvent that moves electrons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cathode &ndash; another piece of metal that accepts electrons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The electrolyte provides oxygen to the anode as the metal corrodes. Electrons are then freed once oxygen combines with metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the anode flows through the electrolyte and cathode, the metal from the anode disappears. The electrical flow sweeps the anode away or gets converted into cations like rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rust can form on almost any iron-containing metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An exception would be stainless steel, which is a versatile alloy made primarily of iron, chromium, and often nickel, along with other elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When water comes into contact with an iron object, the water combines with carbon dioxide in the air, forming a weak carbonic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As acid forms, the iron dissolves. The remaining water then breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen particles, with the latter merging with the dissolved iron bond, turning into iron oxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Get Rust Off of Metal Tools Fast<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several ways to get rust off your tools, and most of them only require a few items that you can find in your own home. Let&rsquo;s check out some of these nifty rust-removal tips for your garage tools.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column125166_9ad2a8-6a kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id125166_c3a759-60 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column125166_8b0749-fa kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac .image-is-svg, .kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image125166_d2ebfb-ac\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column125166_cb281e-04 inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\n Don&rsquo;t let your tools rust to begin with. Keep them dry and clean. If you&rsquo;re storing them for a long time, a light coating of oil is a good idea.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use the Vinegar and Salt Combo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Salt and vinegar can do more than add some flavor to your favorite meals. This combination also makes a great cleaning solution for rusty tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The salt and vinegar combo works best for removing large amounts of rust, including those in hard-to-reach spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Degrease and clean your tools then pat them dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Place your tools in a large tub or container where they can be fully submerged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Pour vinegar into the container until the metal parts of your tools are covered. Sprinkle some salt onto the surface of these tools. Make sure to use 1\/4 cup of salt per liter of white vinegar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Leave the tools submerged in the mixture for between one and three days. It might take a while for the mixture to fully break down the rust, so it&rsquo;s a good idea to check your tools periodically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Once the rust has softened, use a metal brush or steel wool to scrub the tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 6:<\/strong> Wash, rinse, and dry your tools as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> If your tools are too big to fit into a container, wrap them in a vinegar-soaked cloth with salt and seal them in a plastic bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Neutralize with Baking Soda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Baking soda is a cleaning agent that works well with vinegar, but it can do the job pretty well on its own. Baking soda is a slightly abrasive cleaning agent that does a fantastic job at dislodging stubborn particles and removing tough stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Degrease and clean your tools then pat them dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Mix equal parts of water and baking soda in a bowl to form a paste.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Cover your tools with a layer of paste and let the mixture sit for a few hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Use a brush to scrub the paste away or simply wipe it off your tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Wash, rinse, and dry your tools as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use Oxalic Acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oxalic acid is a type of organic acid that acts as an iron complexing agent that effectively removes rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oxalic acid makes a great rust removal agent because of its ability to form a stable water-soluble salt with ferric iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When dealing with oxalic acid, always remember that it&rsquo;s a harsh chemical that can lead to health and safety issues when mishandled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1<\/strong>: Degrease and clean your tools then pat them dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Wear a pair of rubber gloves and goggles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Put your tools in a large container where they can be fully submerged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Add three tablespoons of oxalic acid per one gallon of water into the container. Mix them carefully and avoid splashing the solution all over your work area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 5:<\/strong> Let the tools soak for about 20 minutes or according to the oxalic acid&rsquo;s specifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 6:<\/strong> Wash, rinse, and dry your tools as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sand Your Tools Down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, all it takes is a good old sheet of sandpaper to get rid of rust from your tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1:<\/strong> Degrease and clean your tools then pat them dry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2:<\/strong> Try to remove as much rust as you can using a steel wool or stiff wire brush.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3:<\/strong> Remove thick patches of rust using a coarse grit sandpaper. Switch to a finer grain of sandpaper to get rid of fine layers of rust.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4:<\/strong> Wash, rinse, and dry your tools as needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rust Prevention Methods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many DIYers try to avoid dealing with rust as much as they can. Having a set of rusty tools can make simple tasks quite difficult to accomplish, so you might want to take care of your tools the next time around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conditioning your tools and storing them in a contained space can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bake Your Tools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To condition your tools, lay them out on a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet and put them in the oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Put the oven on its warm setting and leave the tools to bake for about 10 minutes. Once they&rsquo;re out of the oven, apply a generous coat of WD-40, using a rag to get the oil into the nooks and crannies of your tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storage Is Key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always make sure to store your tools in a location with relatively low humidity. If you&rsquo;re planning to leave them in your garage but the atmosphere is quite humid, you might want to consider leaving a dehumidifier in there as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep Your Tools Ready for Every Project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Removing rust and protecting your tools keeps every repair smoother and safer. Clean, well-maintained tools give you better control, fewer mishaps, and more confidence whenever you work on your vehicle. Pairing dependable tools with quality components helps every job, from quick fixes to full restorations, go more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you are ready to upgrade your setup, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/jcwhitneyperformance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"JC Whitney Performance Hub\">JC Whitney Performance Hub<\/a>. It&rsquo;s your destination for off-road, Jeep, truck, classic VW, and restoration parts. From lift kits to lighting, performance exhausts to classic restoration parts, the JC Whitney Performance Hub brings together premium brands you know and love, plus select JC Whitney tools to help you get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For over a century, JC Whitney has earned the trust of drivers, DIYers, and professional mechanics with reliable products and solid support. Whether you are restoring a classic, maintaining a daily driver, or improving your garage, you can count on the brand to keep your your vehicle ready for the road.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Having your own set of tools certainly makes DIY repair and maintenance tasks easier, but even these contraptions will need&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":125168,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[53,3768],"tags":[1264],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":["post-125166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-features","category-lifestyle","tag-tool-box","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Get Rust Off Your Garage Tools - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Rust is every tool\u2019s worst enemy. Here are some ways you can easily remove rust from your garage tools and how to prevent them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Get Rust Off Your Garage Tools - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Rust is every tool\u2019s worst enemy. Here are some ways you can easily remove rust from your garage tools and how to prevent them.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-07T06:25:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-11T04:46:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/car-tool-box-rusting.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1364\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-get-rust-off-your-garage-tools\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust."},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","last_name":"McCuistian","first_name":"Richard","job_title":"ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","description":"<div class=\"auth-social-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" aria-labelledby=\"linkedin\">LinkedIn<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"instagram\" aria-labelledby=\"instagram\">Youtube<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\nRichard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=125166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/125166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/125168"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=125166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=125166"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=125166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}