Hand tools, cutting tools, and dies are commonly made from steel or other ferrous alloys. These materials can rust quickly when exposed to humidity, condensation, or fingerprints. Furthermore, even short periods of exposure inside a toolbox or cabinet can initiate corrosion. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect hand tools from rust.
While oil-based rust preventatives are effective, they often make tools messy, slippery, and unpleasant to handle. This is especially problematic for tools that are used frequently. For this reason, ZERUST® strongly recommends vapor corrosion inhibitor technology as a clean and efficient way to protect hand tools from rust between uses.
The most effective residue-free solution is to place ZERUST® Vapor Capsules inside toolboxes, drawers, or storage cabinets, or to install ZERUST® Toolbox Drawer Liners. These products continuously release corrosion-inhibiting vapors that protect all exposed metal surfaces inside the enclosed space. They leave no oily film, allowing tools to remain clean, dry, and ready for immediate use.
How vapor corrosion inhibitors help protect hand tools from rust
Why VCI technology is ideal to protect hand tools from rust
Vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) technology works by releasing invisible, odorless molecules into the air inside an enclosed space. These molecules form a protective molecular layer on metal surfaces that interrupts the corrosion process caused by moisture and oxygen.
Unlike oils or greases, VCI protection does not rely on direct contact. This makes it ideal for complex tool geometries, hinges, cutting edges, and hard-to-reach surfaces commonly found on hand tools.
Key benefits include:
- Clean, dry protection with no residue
- No need to wipe tools before use
- Continuous protection during storage
- Reduced handling damage and rework
Best VCI solutions for toolboxes and drawers
To protect hand tools from rust in daily use environments, ZERUST® recommends:
- ZERUST® Vapor Capsules for toolboxes, cabinets, and drawers
- ZERUST® Toolbox Drawer Liners for full surface coverage
These solutions provide ongoing corrosion protection as long as the enclosure remains reasonably sealed. Capsules should be replaced according to the recommended service life to maintain consistent protection.
How to protect dies and precision tools stored between uses
When direct coatings are needed to protect hand tools from rust
Dies, precision tools, and machined components that remain idle for extended periods often require direct surface protection in addition to vapor-phase corrosion inhibition.
For these applications, ZERUST® recommends Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings:
- Light oil-based inhibitors such as Axxanol™ 33, Axxanol™ 750-NV, and Axxanol™ 758-NV provide a thin, moisture-displacing film that is easy to remove.
- Dry-to-touch options like Axxanol™ A35CD-7, Axxanol™ A35CD-32, and Axxanol™ 33CD resist humidity while maintaining clean handling.
- For severe humidity or long-term lay-up, heavier coatings such as Axxanol™ Spray-G or Axxanol™ Z-Maxx deliver extended barrier protection.
Protect dies and precision tools with ZERUST® rust preventative coatings
Explore ZERUST® rust inhibitors, preventatives, and coatings engineered for extended storage, humidity, and precision tool protection.
Combining coatings with VCI packaging for maximum protection
For large dies or tools stored in unheated or variable environments, pairing Axxanol™ coatings with ZERUST® ICT® VCI film or ICT® VCI paper creates a dual-layer protection system. The coating protects contact surfaces, while VCI technology protects exposed and hard-to-reach areas inside the package.
This combined approach significantly reduces corrosion risk during long storage intervals.
Proper preparation is essential to protect hand tools from rust
Before applying any corrosion protection, tools and dies must be properly prepared. Cleaning removes contaminants that accelerate corrosion and improves protection performance.
Best practices include:
- Clean tools thoroughly using ZERUST® AxxaWash™ cleaners to remove oils, salts, and residues
- Dry all surfaces completely before protection
- Apply coatings in thin, even layers and remove excess
- Store protected tools in dry environments when possible
For frequently used tools, inspect VCI devices periodically and replace them as recommended. For coated dies, inspect every few months to confirm the protective film remains intact.
A system-based approach to protect hand tools from rust
By combining residue-free VCI protection for hand tools with Axxanol™ rust preventative coatings for dies, along with proper cleaning and packaging practices, users can maintain clean, dry, and corrosion-free tools between uses.
This layered strategy aligns with the ZERUST® Z-CIS® Corrosion Inhibiting System approach and helps extend tool life while improving reliability and productivity. For application-specific guidance, contact ZERUST®/EXCOR® to speak with a technical service representative.
Talk to a ZERUST® corrosion expert
Need help selecting the best solution to protect hand tools, dies, or precision components from rust?
Contact ZERUST® to get application-specific guidance from our technical service team.
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.
