5 Rust Prevention Tips for Your Metal Parts, Machines and Equipment

Did you know that there are four major types of rust? There is red, yellow, brown, and black rust. Each of them is detrimental to your equipment and parts.

If you're like most business owners, you're always looking for ways to reduce expenses and save money. One way to do that is by preventing rust from forming on your metal parts, machines, and equipment.

Rust can cause a lot of damage, not to mention the expense of repairing or replacing the rust-affected items.

In this blog post, we'll discuss five rust prevention tips that will help keep your metal parts and equipment in good condition!

Environments Perfect for Rust: The Science Behind the Destruction

Rust forms in the presence of oxygen and water. While that might seem like a no-brainer, it's important to understand the science behind rust formation so that you can take steps to prevent it.

When iron or steel is exposed to oxygen and water, the oxygen reacts with the metal to form iron oxide, which we know as rust.

The water creates a conductive pathway for the oxygen to reach the metal surface, and the rust forms a protective layer that prevents the oxygen from reaching the metal beneath it.

This process is called oxidation, and it's the main reason why rust is so difficult to remove once it forms.

The Rust Problem: How It Will Affect Your Equipment

Rust will cause your equipment to break down and become less efficient. In some cases, rust can even cause safety hazards.

For example, rust can weaken the structure of a machine or piece of equipment, making it more likely to break or collapse.

Rust can also cause parts to seize up, making it difficult or impossible to operate the equipment. In addition, rust can cause electrical problems by interfering with the flow of electricity.

Rust can also contaminate the food or products you're manufacturing, leading to health problems for your customers.

5 Rust Prevention Tips

Rust is a serious problem that can have a major impact on your business.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent rust from forming on your metal parts, machines, and equipment.

Here are five rust prevention tips to keep in mind:

1. Use Rust Resistant Metals

Some metals are more resistant to rust than others. If possible, use rust-resistant metals for your metal parts, machines, and equipment.

Some rust-resistant metals include stainless steel and zinc. However, these types of metals are often more expensive than other metals.

If you can't use rust-resistant metals, be sure to take extra care of the metal parts, machines, and equipment that are more susceptible to rusting.

2. Use Penetrating Lubricant

Penetrating lubricants can help prevent rust by creating a barrier between metal, oxygen, and water.

Jet-Lube Penetration Oils are a great option because they penetrate rust and corrosion. They also provide anti-wear protection, which can extend the life of your equipment.

In addition, Jet-Lube Penetration Oils can help reduce friction, making your equipment run more efficiently. We know this as the coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction is a ratio of the force of two surfaces pressing together.

Lubricant will increase the distance between the two surfaces, reducing the force, called surface tension, required to move them. This can save you money by reducing wear and tear on your equipment.

It can also help prevent rust by keeping oxygen and water from reaching the metal surface.

3. Use Other Rust Inhibitors

Rust inhibitors are chemicals that prevent rust from forming on metal surfaces. They work by creating a barrier between the metal and the oxygen and water.

Rust inhibitors are available in various formulations, including rust-resistant paint, rust-resistant coating, and rust-resistant oil. They can be applied to metal parts, machines, and equipment to help prevent rust from forming.

Rust inhibitors are an important part of any rust prevention plan.

Rust-resistant paint is a good option for metal surfaces that will be exposed to the elements. While rust-resistant coating can help prevent rust from forming on metal parts, machines, and equipment that are stored indoors. On the other hand, rust-resistant oil can help keep rust from forming on metal parts, machines, and regularly used equipment.

When choosing a rust inhibitor, be sure to select one that is compatible with the type of metal you're using.

4. Store the Equipment Properly

Storing your metal parts, machines, and equipment properly can help prevent rust.

If possible, store the equipment in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the equipment in areas prone to high humidity or moisture.

If you must store the equipment outdoors, cover it with a tarp or other waterproof cover. You should also consider rust-proofing the equipment before you store it.

5. Inspect the Equipment Regularly

Inspecting your metal parts, machines, and equipment regularly can help you identify rust early. If you see rust, clean it off immediately. You can use a rust removal product to remove rust from metal surfaces.

You may need to replace the affected parts of the affected part is too corroded.

Regular inspection and maintenance can help extend the life of your metal parts, machines, and equipment.

Rest Prevention Solutions: Which One Is Best?

Rust prevention is an important part of maintaining your metal parts, machines, and equipment.

Many rust prevention solutions are available, including rust-resistant paint, rust-resistant coating, rust-resistant oil, and other rust inhibitors. The best rust prevention solution for you will depend on the metal you're using and the environment in which it will be used.

However, the best solution combines penetrating lubricants, regular maintenance, and proper storage.

What Metals Are More Susceptible to Rust?

Some metals are more susceptible to rust than others. For example, iron and steel are two of the most commonly used metals and two of the most susceptible to rust. Other metals that are susceptible to rust include copper and brass.

Iron

Iron is probably one of the worst metals for rusting. Yet, it is used a lot in the industry and many products we use daily, including office equipment, vehicles, home appliances, tools, and utensils.

Steel

Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, one of the world's most widely used metals. While steel rusts slower than iron, it can still rust under the right conditions, such as exposure to moisture and salt.

Copper

Copper is a soft metal often used in plumbing and electrical applications. While copper doesn't necessarily rust, it can still corrode under certain conditions, such as exposure to acid.

Brass

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, often used in plumbing and electrical applications. While brass is rust-resistant, it can still corrode under certain conditions, such as exposure to salt water.

Rust and Corrosion: Is There A Difference?

Rust and metal corrosion are often used interchangeably. However, there is a difference between rust and corrosion.

Rust is a type of corrosion that affects iron and steel. Corrosion is a general term that includes rusting but can also refer to other types of degradation, such as pitting and etching.

Pitting is a type of corrosion that affects metals, such as iron and steel. Pitting occurs when small holes form on the metal surface.

Etching is a type of corrosion that affects metals, such as copper and brass. Etching occurs when the metal surface is eaten away by a chemical reaction.

Why Choose Jet-Lube Penetration Oils?

Jet-Lube Penetration Oils are a great rust prevention solution for your metal parts, machines, and equipment. Jet-Lube Penetration Oils are formulated to protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion.

Our 70 years of experience in the industry have allowed us to develop rust prevention products that are second to none.

We are recognized globally as a leader in rust prevention and have a reputation for quality and innovation. Our rust prevention products are useful in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and more.

Rust prevention products are available in a variety of formulations to meet your specific needs.

Penetrating Oils: Get Started Today

Rust prevention should become a major part of your maintenance schedule. As a result, you will notice a safer and more efficient workplace regardless of the industry you work in.

While there are many products available, not all of them will be effective in corrosion prevention, so make sure that you treat your equipment with the love and attention it deserves.

Are you looking for a penetrating lubricant customized for your needs? Check out our products today!