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How to keep condensation off tools

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John S-B

04-01-2002 17:30:32




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I have to keep my tools in my truck overnight sometimes and I'm having problems with condensation. I keep the tools in assorted tool boxes and cases in a heavy duty plastic truck type box. This is kept under a vinyl tonneau cover so there is no problem with direct contact with water but it's not air tight. I've considered dessicant bags but I'm not sure where to get these and I don't know how long they would last. Does anyone else have this problem or found a solution? Thank's JSB.

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John S-B

04-06-2002 21:19:38




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 Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to John S-B, 04-01-2002 17:30:32  
Thanks for the ideas guys. I was looking thru my Eastwood catalog and they had some dessicants in what looks like a plastic tube, think I'll give that a try. BTW I keep my tools in the plastic truck box because it's lighter and I can load all my tools at one time, about 200 lbs. worth! I just lift one end up on the tailgate and then lift the other up and slide it in the bed.



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tech4

04-02-2002 12:56:51




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 Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to John S-B, 04-01-2002 17:30:32  
If you can find camphor blocks in your drug store, they will help. You might read here.
camphor



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Bill

04-02-2002 10:04:14




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 Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to John S-B, 04-01-2002 17:30:32  
I worked in Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning for years. Condensation forms when the tool ( metal mass warms slower than air ) is colder than the warmer moist air around it. Any kind of non air tight container will breath. Air inside tool box heats in the sun & expands & breathes out. As box cools, air cools & shrinks & air breathes in bringing in moist night air. Box/air in box warms in morning, tools are still cold, moisture from air condenses on tools. Same thing happens in gear boxes on heavy equiptment. Only way to beat it is an old welders trick for keeping welding rods dry. Leave an incandecent light bulb on at night in the box. Won't take much. 15 to 40 watts will do..usually.... Had a crawler that use to have steering clutch trouble every spring from condensation/sitting over the winter/wet spring. Dropped a night light on a lead cord into each clutch case for the winter. Had to check/change bulbs once in a while. Little bulbs in the small cases did the trick till I got a garage for it. Mighta cost me $10 a year in electricity... Heat from the bulbs keeps items/air in the box warmer than the outside air & cuts down on breathing/drawing in moisture

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mac

04-02-2002 09:45:56




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 Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to John S-B, 04-01-2002 17:30:32  
I never tried it or even saw it but heard of a board type desicant that they claim is good. No mess from busted bags of desicant.
Might look on google.com for more information concerning desicant products.



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Trader

04-02-2002 08:01:02




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 Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to John S-B, 04-01-2002 17:30:32  
I also am experiancing a lot of condensation in both my aluminun truck box and my aluminum enclosed welding trailer. I dont know if it will work but I was wondering if spraying on foam insulation on the inside of the lid and roof would stop it. I was thinking about how insulation in the ceiling of metal buildings stops the codensation and wondered if it would work in this situation. Anybody know if it would?

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Robert Mc

04-01-2002 20:01:52




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 Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to John S-B, 04-01-2002 17:30:32  
in winter i use silicone spray on my tools.most of my tools are on my service truck and as long as i use them or keep them sprayed down they dont rust,but then i live in nevada.



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Mark Kw

04-02-2002 04:26:35




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 Re: Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to Robert Mc, 04-01-2002 20:01:52  
Problem not easily cured. The first thing you need to do is get rid of the plastic boxes. For some reason, plastics, vinyl, ect draw more condensation onto metal than anything. My truck is has an all steel utility body. Living in NEPA where we get wide swings in temps and humidity, condensation is horrible to deal with.

Silicone srpay does help all be it makes the tools a bit more difficult to hold onto. I use it too because it is fast and easy to apply and it works. What also works is giving the tools breathing room. Ventilated steel boxes or loose fitting boxes that allow air flow but will keep out rain, snow, ect. I started using gun rags some time ago and they seem to work well. These are the rags you can get at the local gun shop or sporting goods store, silicone impregnated for wiping down guns, fishing reels, ect. They leave a less slippery coating but still protects decent against rust. You can also oil the tools using a rag dampened with a good quality water displacing hydraulic oil. Pretty much the same as above but leaves a thicker coating for better protection.

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Steveb

04-02-2002 16:30:58




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 Re: Re: Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to Mark Kw, 04-02-2002 04:26:35  
Mark Kw,
I am in Milford Pa, Looks like Spring is here.
Where is your shop? Steve



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Mark Kw

04-03-2002 04:11:20




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to Steveb, 04-02-2002 16:30:58  
I'm in Drums. Sent you an email. No complaints on the weather from me. Easy winter...finally... but still too cold for my liking.



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Nathan(GA)

04-02-2002 07:26:40




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 Re: Re: Re: How to keep condensation off tools in reply to Mark Kw, 04-02-2002 04:26:35  
You are correct about the plastic boxes. I had my Henrob torch(comes in plastic case) sitting near a window in my building. The window was closed and everything around dry. I opened the case and water was standing in the case. The manual was ruined and the circle cutter finish was damaged. The only thing I can figure was the sun shining on it for a few hours a day and temp changing back and forth?

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