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VCI emitter recommendation requested for tool storage Login/Join 
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Currently I'm using this product from Lowe's:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobal...Drawer-Liner/3374226

but would like to add a bit more protection against rusting caused by the high humidity in my area. I'm looking at the Zerust vapor capsules ($10/ea) to add to the multi-drawer tool box:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ze...llow-11321/206447617

Zerust says their vapor capsules have a radius of 2 feet and can last one year. Would just one or two of these protect all the tools in the standing toolbox, or would I need more (one for each drawer) because of the drawers?

Also, I don't know what I don't know so if anyone has a different option that might work better for my purpose, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance!




 
Posts: 5072 | Location: Arkansas | Registered: September 04, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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What are you looking to protect? If it's just general hand tools, don't waste your money.
I've got plenty of tools that are older than I am (40) that don't have rust & stay in a garage box that is rusted to beat hell, mostly crafstman, a few snap on & some others. Hell, I've seen Chinese wrenches that live in tractor boxes outside that don't rust.

If it's precision machine/measurement tools, condition the storage space (AC/Heat) & don't waste your money on snake oil.
 
Posts: 3350 | Location: IN | Registered: January 12, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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.

I buy VCI storage bags for inside ammo-cans from this site:

www.ZeRustProducts.com

While I do not know the answer to your question, this company will answer questions by phone or via email about their products.

When I first started using VCI bags, one of the documents I read was the importance for the bags to be sealed to keep the vapors inside. I suggest you ask about the effectiveness if vapors escape from drawers that are not airtight.

My guess is, the technhology has changed since I starterd using VCI bags. I say this because they are selling tool drawer liners:

www.ZeRustProducts.com/products/electronics-tools-parts/toolbox-liners-toolbox-drawer-liners/

.
 
Posts: 2873 | Location: San Diego, CA  | Registered: July 14, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
eh-TEE-oh-clez
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If you are using the liners, I don't think adding the capsules will help.

The vapor deposits itself onto the metal and forms a protective layer a few molecules thick. I don't think having additional sources of VCI makes for a thicker layer.

I think your game plan, if using a VCI, is to replace often or on a schedule as opposed to adding more of it.

With regards to drawers, you'll need one for each drawer as there's no way to guarantee that the vapor will migrate from one drawer to another.

I recently picked up a can of Boeshield T9 to spray on my tools. It sprays on like WD-40, penetrates into the surfaces, and then dries and sets up into a clear, thin, slightly waxy layer that also maintains lubricity. Just about the perfect amount of lube for pivots and hinges without being too runny.
 
Posts: 13067 | Location: Orange County, California | Registered: May 19, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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My experience is those liners are junk. The emitters (I don't use the HD ones) are way better and make a substantial difference.
The more the merrier in this business, add per drawer. snidera must not live where there is real humidity, I battle this all the time.


“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
 
Posts: 11259 | Registered: October 14, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Well, the liners are made by Zerust (just with Lowe's or HD's logo on the packaging) which is the same company that makes the vapor capsules. From looking around the .net it appears that Zerust is one of the big dogs in the VCI emitter market.

I'm skeptical about the 5 year guarantee on the liners (how would I prove it anyway?), so I ordered some capsules and tabs, as well as more liner, directly from Zerust. With two toolboxes, and based on Zerust's specs. for the different items, I figure a liner in each drawer with the capsules in the two large bottom drawers on each toolbox, then a couple of tabs in each regular drawer should get me as good as it can get without hermetically sealing everything. Smile

Definitely getting on a schedule of replacing the various VCI items at, or a bit before, the expiration date is key.

I do have rust on tools that wasn't there a few years ago. It can get very humid here in the Spring and Summer. Some tools only have pinpricks of rust while others, like pullers and pliers, have accumulated mild to heavy rust. You guys that don't have a problem with your tools rusting, that's great and I'm happy for you - but I do have the problem and am looking for the best and most cost effective solution for the long term.

Edit to add:

I have a can of Boeshield which is almost used up. I'll be getting more of the stuff and will make a point of making sure each tool gets a coating. Thanks for that reminder!




 
Posts: 5072 | Location: Arkansas | Registered: September 04, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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