Rusting Allen Sockets

Since I am always asking questions on here I feel I should share a data point I have observed. Several years ago I purchased an Allen 1/4" and 3/8" socket set. It was a nice set I felt was perfect for my garage where I keep my car and truck. (The garage is separate from where I work on my tractors.) I thought Allen should be a good name and all the pieces are marked "USA". I don't use it much, it is still in the molded case although the cover is cut off and the base holding all the parts slides nicely under my bench top tool box mounted on some 2x4's.

I went to use the set today and noticed many of the sockets are rusting. Boy that was disappointing. Evidently the plating is not thick or even enough to protect the base metal from moisture. In all fairness, I have had moisture issues in the garage in prior years. This year I ran a de-humidifier all summer. My Craftsman Combination wrenches hanging on the wall are not rusting, and they have been there a lot longer.

I believe I bought it at Menards, might call about it but it has been a few years and I have no documentation.

Anyway, no more Allen for me. I am just sharing my observation.

Paul.

I have a set of Allen flare nut wrenches. They are nut rusting. They were used when I bought them.

The plastic case is trapping moisture,I have rust problems and my garage is heated and air conditioned(attached garage).

If you would actually use the darned things and get some oil and grease on them they wouldn't rust.

Dunno why you would condemn tools without actually using them and possible breaking something thereby actually having something to whine about????

Ironically my allen brand 1/4 drive set Wes one of the few tools that didn't rust up in the truck toolbox

Evapo-Rust does a good job on tools - of course badly rusted parts with pits remain pitted. It can be used on chrome and if the tools are black they can be re-treated. My local TSC carrys it - it comes in a gray jug.

As has been posted you might do better to remove the tools from the plastic case bottom and/or get them out from under the tool box where air can circulate better.

I have a set of those Allen sockets, must be 20? Us old. Some of the ends show wear, but no rust. I have a similar age craftsman? Torx set that has no rust, but the t45 is so worn I had to grind the face about 1/16 just to set some square drive vanes!

If you read the post you would know he's condemning them because they are rusting.

I would agree with the plastic case trapping moisture. A light shot of WD40 would probably help a lot - but then the WD40 would probably cause the plastic to decay.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I am sorry if I sounded to be whining, that was not my intent. I get a lot of help and helpful comments on here so I thought here is my opportunity.

Anyway, I have always known Allen as a good brand. Obviously there is variation in manufacture. Maybe quality as a result of processes (e.g. Mfg location) has changed over the years. I probably should package them up and send them back to Allen to give them my feedback.

Thanks. Paul.

I have that set along with a few others . I like the Allen brand set. No chrome issues on mine but I keep a Fluid Film rag to wipe off my tools. If you wipe them down before the slight rust turns to pitting you should be okay. I have always lived in areas where some moisture protection is needed for tools.

No coffee yet Bob?

The Allens have a nice metal case.

My "shed" set is one of those thats in the black plastic case that folds over on each other like a brief case. Ive had issues before with those where they sit in the case moisture gets in the bottom and they sat but I was able to clean them up before it got bad. I spray the sucker with wd40 lightly then insert the sockets in the holes. Havent had issues then..

I own quite a few "Allen" branded tools and tools sets and they are part of my portable tool set. Never a problem with any of them including rusting. Made in the USA also. Blains Farm and Fleet used the sell them. Menards is selling remaining stock. Lots of Allen tools on Ebay.

If you use them and get grease on them they won't rust.

If any of my tools rust I just put a little 3-in-1 oil in my hand and wipe the rusty tool(s) down real good then wipe litghtly with a shop towel. It keeps the rust away.