How do I coat steel to rust-proof it?

[cnczoner]

My first steel part -- it's a spindle wrench. And it works beautifully! Now how do I coat it to protect it? I expect paint will come off where it meets the spindle. Plasti-Dip? What else that I can do myself without taking it to some chrome plating company, etc? Appearance not important.

Thanks,
-Neil.

[Dorsal]

You might want to go to a local gunsmiths or hunting supply store and buy a gun bluing kit.

[cnczoner]

Hmmm... heard that term before, but not familiar with the process, so I'm looking it up. Wikipedia's first sentence on bluing says "Bluing is a passivation process in which steel is partially protected against rust". Partially? They go on to say things like "...this finish is also the least effective at providing rust resistance", and "All blued parts still need to be properly oiled to prevent rust".

Now I know wikipedia has been wrong before, but these statements are a bit concerning. Or are you referring to some other or variation of this process?

[bwprice100]

Hi Neil

Some information on the environment you plan to sue the wrench would help in giving advice.

Brian

[cnczoner]

Sitting next to the mill. Since I started using kool-mist (rather than WD40), I've noticed that a lot of parts started developing rust (collets, mill table, etc), so I've started wiping down some of these parts with WD40 when I'm done milling. However, I don't quite like the idea of wiping down a hand-tool with anything slippery.

[OHLEMANNR]

Gibbs

http://www.roadsters.com/gibbs/

Bob

[bwprice100]

Originally Posted by cnczoner Sitting next to the mill. Since I started using kool-mist (rather than WD40), I've noticed that a lot of parts started developing rust (collets, mill table, etc), so I've started wiping down some of these parts with WD40 when I'm done milling. However, I don't quite like the idea of wiping down a hand-tool with anything slippery.

I would degrease it and then spray paint with a zinc rich paint.

Brian

[cnczoner]

Originally Posted by OHLEMANNR Gibbs http://www.roadsters.com/gibbs/ Bob

That seems to be a penetrant/lubricant, and that web link says "Gibbs Brand leaves metal slippery", which is generally not a good idea for a hand tool. Did you perhaps link to the wrong page?

[Eurisko]

This link describes galvanizing steel by immersion in molten zinc:

http://corrosion-doctors.org/Definit...alvanizing.htm

[Tempus Fugit]

do you have stuff called Hammerite 'Kurust' ?
it's a thin milky-white liquid in a small white plastic pot you apply by brush, which I have used on various tools (and other rusty stuff), ends up turning the surface black, ready for painting or not. Some sort of chemical action rather than just a paint.
Probably available from car accessory shops

[cnczoner]

Never heard of Kurust, but I will investigate. Still also have to investigate the zinc-rich paints and galvanizing.

I was thinking that a few coats of engine enamel paint may hold up, but also thinking of powdercoating (using HF's $100 kit). I know the latter is relatively thick, but it should be relatively simple to run an experiment to determine the thickness and grind off the correct amount from the inside of the tool's "teeth" using a dremel.

Cheers,
-Neil.

[mrcodewiz]

Originally Posted by cnczoner Sitting next to the mill. Since I started using kool-mist (rather than WD40), I've noticed that a lot of parts started developing rust (collets, mill table, etc), so I've started wiping down some of these parts with WD40 when I'm done milling. However, I don't quite like the idea of wiping down a hand-tool with anything slippery.

What part of the country are you in? I mix it about double what they suggest and I never have an issue with rust.