Barbecue charcoal does the trick
Issue 52: Jan/Feb 2007
SINCE I PERFORM THE BULK OF THE MAINTENANCE ON MY SAILBOAT, not to mention on my cars, pickup, tractor, and house, it’s only reasonable that I would have a pretty hefty selection of hand tools. While the majority of my tools are housed in the tool chest in the workshop, I do have several small satellite tool boxes. I keep these toolboxes where they are most often needed.
One of these satellite toolboxes is on my sailboat. Since the boat’s moisture-laden environment is apt to cause corrosion, I’ve tried all sorts of things to protect my tools from rusting. This has included purchasing pricey stainless-steel tools, coating the tools with a light film of oil, wrapping them in oily rags, and even sealing them in
plastic bags. While all of these techniques work to some degree, I discovered a much simpler way to battle rust-
causing moisture: charcoal briquettes.
This barbecue necessity absorbs moisture and keeps the toolbox’s inner environment dry. Since the briquettes tend to create dust, I place them in a small cloth bag before putting them in the toolbox. The cloth bag helps contain the dust. About three or four briquettes per toolbox protect my tools from corrosion for one season. In the fall I replace the tired ones with fresh briquettes. I toss the used ones into the last barbecue fire of the season.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
