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Thread: Holdfast Care

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Navarre, FL
    Posts
    43

    Holdfast Care

    I've got some of the Gramarcy holdfasts (which work great) but am wondering what to do to keep them from rusting? I can oil or wax the "arm" but putting either of those on the leg keeps it from holding. So, is there some other way to keep rust spots from appearing on the holdfasts?

    Thanks,
    David

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Montreal , Canada
    Posts
    759
    You might try Boeshield. Just don't buff it out.

  3. #3

    Rust

    I live in the arid West, so rust isn't a problem for me. I am not sure how the Gramercy holdfasts are finished, but I think they are a black iron (or steel) finish.

    Traditionally tools were finished 'bright' and this helped to prevent rust. If you are not interested in draw filing your hold fasts, I would suggest warming them up, giving them a coat of linseed oil, wiping off the excess and give them a couple of days to dry. When it is dry it won't interfere with the holding abilities, but it will mechanically wear off eventually.

    Stephen

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    SE PA - Central Bucks County
    Posts
    65,685
    I've had mine for two years and done nothing to them...no rust in evidence that I can see.
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Jacksonville, FL
    Posts
    733
    I'll second Jim's experience. I've had a pair for about two years, I've never put anything on them and I don't even see any discoloration, much less rust.
    "History is strewn with the wrecks of nations which have gained a little progressiveness at the cost of a great deal of hard manliness, and have thus prepared themselves for destruction as soon as the movements of the world gave a chance for it." -Walter Bagehot

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Navarre, FL
    Posts
    43
    Hmm, must be the salt water humidity in the air down here. Mine are starting to show specs of rust.

  7. #7
    I use WD-40 on all my tools..
    I buy it by the gallon at Lowe's for $10 and put it in a spray bottle to apply it..

    Just make sure to wipe them down with a clean rag before you contact any wood that will be finished...
    aka rarebear - Hand Planes 101 - RexMill - The Resource

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