Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jan 31, 2006 04:20pm | #1

   It's called a dessicant and doesn't stop rust but absorbs the moisture that causes rust. Every so often you put the thing in the oven to remove the collected moisture.

2. 
   Dave45 | Jan 31, 2006 04:27pm | #2

   Do a search for "Cathodic Protection" and see what comes up.  I'm familiar with sacrificial anodes in water environments (e.g. rods in water heaters) but I've never heard of it in air. 

   I suppose that a piece of zinc could help somewhat in a tool box, but it's effectiveness would probably be limited to the immediate area - not the entire box.

   If your box is reasonably air tight, dessicant bags would probably work better.

3. 
   highfigh | Jan 31, 2006 06:13pm | #3

   What kind of tools are they? If they're construction tools and aren't chrome plated, you could try to seal the compartment and put a container of dessicant inside, such as Damp-Rid. It's usually available at big box stores, either in the cleaning supplies dept or the plumbing dept. Boat dealers sell it for long-term boat storage, too.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
4. 
   forestgirl | Jan 31, 2006 07:00pm | #4

   I saw what you're referring to at Lowe's last year.  It wasn't a dessicant as we normally think about them (the little packets or cylinders that come in/with food or medicine).  Like you say, it was a plate that you'd put inside your tool drawer.  Sorry, that's the most I can come up with.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   Do unto others as you tell them they should do unto you....