Hand tools, cutting tools, and dies are typically made of steel or other ferrous alloys and can rust quickly when exposed to humidity, condensation, or fingerprints. While oil-based rust preventatives are effective, they can make hand tools messy, slippery, and unpleasant to handle, especially when tools are used frequently. For this reason, ZERUST® strongly recommends vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) technology to protect hand tools from rust. The most effective and clean solution is to place ZERUST® Vapor Capsules inside toolboxes, drawers, or storage cabinets, or to use ZERUST® Toolbox Drawer Liners, which continuously release safe vapor corrosion inhibitors that protect all metal surfaces inside the enclosed space. These products provide excellent rust protection without leaving any oily residue, ensuring tools stay clean, dry, and ready for immediate use.
For dies, precision tools, and metal components that are stored for longer periods between uses, ZERUST® recommends applying Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings for direct surface protection. Light oil-based inhibitors such as Axxanol™ 33, Axxanol™ 750-NV, and Axxanol™ 758-NV provide a thin, moisture-displacing film that protects metal surfaces while remaining easy to remove when needed. When a dry-to-touch finish is required, products such as Axxanol™ A35CD-7, Axxanol™ A35CD-32, and Axxanol™ 33CD offer dry-to-touch films that resist humidity and are ideal for precision dies and machined surfaces. For severe humidity or extended lay-up, heavier coatings like Axxanol™ Spray-G or Axxanol™ Z-Maxx deliver long-lasting barrier protection. Additionally, pairing any Axxanol™ coating with ZERUST® ICT® VCI film or ICT® VCI paper provides dual-layer protection through both direct contact and vapor-phase corrosion inhibition, providing an excellent solution for large dies or parts stored in variable or unheated environments.
Regardless of the method, proper preparation is essential to protect hand tools from rust and extend coating longevity. Tools and dies should be thoroughly cleaned and dried prior to protection, ideally using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ cleaners to remove oils, residues, and contaminants that promote corrosion. Apply coatings in thin, even layers, remove excess to avoid dust accumulation, and store assets in a dry environment when possible. For frequently used tools, replace VCI capsules as recommended; for dies, inspect every few months to ensure the protective film remains intact.
By combining clean, residue-free VCI protection for hand tools with Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings for dies, along with ZERUST® cleaning and packaging solutions, users can ensure that tools and dies remain clean, dry, and rust-free between uses, supporting longer service life and reliable performance under the ZERUST® Z-CIS® (Corrosion Inhibiting System) approach. For guidance on selecting the best solution for your needs, you can contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers containing proven ZERUST® Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI). They protect metals in hard-to-reach areas of control panels, electrical cabinets, or other enclosed spaces from corrosion, even when they are in operation. Additionally, use these VCI emitter diffusers as a supplement to other ZERUST® VCI packaging products for added protection.
Axxanol™ 33 is a rust preventative oil that forms a light oily film, providing powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ 750-NV is a rust preventative oil that forms a clear, thin, oily film on the metal surface, providing a moisture barrier and powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ 758-NV is a non-staining rust preventive oil that forms a clear, thin, oily film on the metal surface, providing a moisture barrier and powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ A35CD-7 is a high-flash solvent-based rust preventative that forms a clear, thin, dry-to-touch film. As a result, it eliminates oily surfaces that attract dust and other contaminants.
Axxanol™ A35CD-32 is a solvent-based, non-staining rust preventative that forms a clear, thin, near dry-to-touch RP film. As a result, it provides powerful corrosion protection against aggressive environments, such as salt air and humidity.
Axxanol™ 33CD is a solvent-based rust preventative that forms a dry-to-touch film, eliminating oily surfaces that attract dust and other contaminants.
Axxanol™ Spray-G is a sprayable rust preventative grease that provides the protection of a grease in the convenience of a sprayable form. It’s designed to protect metal parts, equipment, and assemblies during long-term indoor and outdoor storage and challenging overseas shipping applications where a removable coating is essential.
Axxanol™ Z-Maxx Anti-Corrosion Grease Series consists of two products, Axxanol™ Z-Maxx and Z-Maxx LV. Z-Maxx is a thick NLGI 2 grease and is also offered as a lower viscosity (LV) NLGI 0 grease that is designed for spreadability and light lubrication properties.
ICT®510-C VCI Film provides cost-effective and versatile protection against rust and corrosion damage for metal assets in shipping and storage. Additionally, it’s available in ferrous, non-ferrous, and multimetal formulations, as well as various-sized rolls, sheets, tubing, and bags.
ICT® VCI Poly Bags provide convenient and proven protection against corrosion damage for metals in shipping and storage. In addition, they are available in ferrous, non-ferrous, anti-tarnish, and multimetal protection types and various zipper, flat, and gusseted sizes.
ICT®420 is an acid-free, pH-neutral, and non-abrasive VCI kraft paper that merges the practicality and cost-efficiency of paper-based packaging with advanced corrosion protection. Consequently, it streamlines the preservation of metals during work-in-progress, shipping, and storage.
