[skappiris]

Don't keep them--toss them.

You get a new thingamjig--open the box and remove the packing and that little packet of sodium (??) crystals that absorb moisture.

DO NOT KEEP THEM. TOSS THEM.

WHY, YOU AXE...?

I SKAPPIRIS being of unsound mind and even less than spectacular body put a couple of those packets in each of my tool bin trays.

Didn't touch those bins for a while until I needed a socket--
SURPRISE!! All the older tools my dad had given me were rusted and flaking.
these were uncoated steel products--not the chrome stuff from Craftsman or HD.

I am devastated. My dad is probably looking down at me now, just rolling his eyes.
I went out and spent a bloody fortune today rebuilding my socket collection--added a bunch of SAE and METRIC ratchet wrenches while I was 'penalizing' myself.

 

[Richard1]

Dude, that really sucks! Never thought something like that would happen.

 

[X_KIOWA_X]

so how do you know that it was the packets that caused your issue, you searched the net and read of others having the same issues? just curious.

 

[Serge]

Those bags remove moisture from the air, so I would guess prevent rust instead of creating it..

 

[skappiris]

so how do you know that it was the packets that caused your issue, you searched the net and read of others having the same issues? just curious.

Kiowa--i've had these tools for 30 years. they were well used but not a lick of rust on them.
Trust me. it was the packets.

In my line of work you run into issues on a daily basis. The first question you always ask is: What has changed since the last time "it" worked?

I used to play the trumpet in my younger days. I also placed a couple of packets in my trumpet case: the entire horn was starting to corrode when I realized my error the other day with the tools.

I take care of my tools, Kiowa. I take care of my property. That horn was pristine. It was over 45 years old and kept in an air conditioned room. always kept clean and wiped down after every use.

You don't need the Internet to solve all your issues. You just need some common sense--which I obviously lacked.

 

[skappiris]

Those bags remove moisture from the air, so I would guess prevent rust instead of creating it..

You would think. but, no, they contain sodium and some other moisture ABSORBERS.
Sodium is an element. It gives--and it takes away.

It gives--> by dissovling in moist or dry environments.
It 'appears' to absorb moisture--but, to do that it has to evaporate as it aborbs.
Few elements 'live' forever. Salt dissolves--into the air. left alone, salt crystals will be replaced by a little puddle of moisture.

you rinse off your gear or car if you've gone to the beach, right?
same principal.

where did the salt go? in an enclosed compartment it has no where else to go but to the next item it shares space with.
then, a chemical transition occurs since salt is a CORROSIVE product.

it's simple science.

 

[X_KIOWA_X]

Obviously you're upset, understandable, but I was just asking the question of how you came to your conclusion. You're right the internet doesn't solve problems for you, but it is full of information on how to solve problems or avoid them, thought you might have read up on it and figured that was the cause of your issue, no offense meant.

 

[CBSIMONSEZ]

those little packets usually come in sealed containers too ... not open to the environment where humidity is constant.

 

[skappiris]

Obviously you're upset, understandable, but I was just asking the question of how you came to your conclusion. You're right the internet doesn't solve problems for you, but it is full of information on how to solve problems or avoid them, thought you might have read up on it and figured that was the cause of your issue, no offense meant.

oh gosh, sorry. wasn't trying to push my attitude on you...I apologize for giving that impression.
really, I was just stating a fact.

I know better. you don't use these packets around metallic objects.
I screwed up.

 

[skappiris]

those little packets usually come in sealed containers too ... not open to the environment where humidity is constant.

actually, to work properly, they're not hermetically sealed. they're in little bags. if they were really 'sealed' they wouldn't absorb moisture, right?

 

[X_KIOWA_X]

ah who knows maybe I just read it wrong and took it as being upset, which like I said I can understand, after all it was your fathers tools that you had for a very long time and had sentimental value, regardless I'm sorry to hear that it happened.

 

[skappiris]

ah who knows maybe I just read it wrong and took it as being upset, which like I said I can understand, after all it was your fathers tools that you had for a very long time and had sentimental value, regardless I'm sorry to hear that it happened.

You're a good sport. I am a poor documentarian.
I failed to explain the reasoning w/o insulting you.

I'm the fool, here.

 

[mrbyber]

Skap,
If the tools were fine for 30 years then what was the point of putting the packets in with the tools in the first place??
That does suck tho!
Sorry to hear it

 

[imwright1985]

They absorb moisture from the atmosphere using activated carbon and other things. Problem with using them on tools is how the tools were stashed prior and time between maintnance, they only draw from that general area and moisture that effects the material while its away from the packets. My tools have been rust free for about 8 years, but they get used alot, wiped down with a rag with a thin film of oil/grease on it or get just dry wiped off if they are covered in grease.

The problem with silica packets are that they only absorb a certain amount of moisture then do nothing, its kind of a solubility issue. With any oil/preservative though it breaks down with time and other elements "attacking" it so coats need to be reapplied.

Your best thing to keep any material safe is to wipe it down occasionally and apply some sort of polish/wax/oil preservative

 

[imwright1985]

ohh skap if you need any tools let me know, Ill keep my eyes open for some decent deals. Last year i stopped by a yard sale trying to find some cheap shelving for my garage and other things, got my dad, buddy, and myself all hammer drills (2 millwakee, 1 makita) for 15 bucks all working perfect. I will keep my eyes open for you up here if you give me a patient shopping list

 

[ryguy00]

I'm glad I read this post. I'm going to get those damn things out of my gun safe right now. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[RedspawnSilver]

Meh... while you're buying tools, can you buy me a prying bar please Need to install my triple tree's...

 

[skappiris]

Skap,
If the tools were fine for 30 years then what was the point of putting the packets in with the tools in the first place??
That does suck tho!
Sorry to hear it

EXACTLY! what was the point? <sheesh>

 

[CBSIMONSEZ]

EXACTLY! what was the point? <sheesh>

the point, was the point.

 

[skappiris]

the point, was the point.

<sigh> yeah yeah.