Different Ways You Can Prevent Metals From Rusting

Different Ways You Can Prevent Metals From Rusting

In no time at all, rust can become a significant problem. It decreases the functionality of machinery and degrades the stability of metal. Replacing metals can become costly, so it’s vital to know how to avoid it. Here are different ways you can prevent metals from rusting that are cost-effective and simple.

Paint the Metal

Applying a coat of paint is a simple yet effective way to prevent rusting which will significantly reduce moisture from reaching the metals. Paint coatings cannot stop the moisture altogether, but they will slow the rust. This would be an ideal solution for things you’re looking to refinish.

Selecting the proper paint is critical as it must adhere to the metals. If you anticipate excessive moisture will contact the metals, consider an oil-based paint rather than a water-soluble paint. It’s also critical to pay attention to crevices, joints, and bolts; weakness in the paint will lead to rusting in these areas, damaging the entire unit.

Galvanize

One of the most affordable ways to prevent metals from rusting is galvanizing. The process of galvanizing something involves applying a protective coating of zinc over the steel or iron. Because the corrosion rate of zinc is significantly slower than iron by about 30 times, galvanizing is one of the most effective ways to prevent rust.

There are limitations to galvanizing a metal, however. Zinc cannot withstand certain environmental influences like salt or acid rain. The process can also change the external appearance of the metals. It’s also best to consider weighing the differences between galvanized and stainless steels if your budget allows.

Blueing

Blueing applies a high heat salt solution that’s similar to rust but far less damaging. The result is a layer of black iron oxide or magnetite, and the metals reflect a blue or black appearance. This is a common and economical practice for protecting firearms from rust.

Apply Dry Coating

There are products on the market specifically designed to prevent and deter rust. A dry coat acts similarly to oil but creates a firm grip and maintains cleanliness. These are applicable in various ways, like spraying, dipping, or washing. Once the coating is dry and the barrier is intact, the prevention process begins.

Foxfire 9

Book Review: Foxfire 9
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I am a big fan of the Foxfire books, this volume, Foxfire 9, Includes discussions on general stores, the Jud Nelson wagon, a praying rock, a Catawban Indian potter, haint tales, quilting, home cures, and the log cabin revisited.

While some of this may not directly relate to disaster preparedness, any information on how our ancestors ran general stores may come in handy in a barter economy, wagon building is a lost art, so is quilting, but the ability to transport goods and keep warm are both essential skills.
I used to experiment with the home remedies when I was a teenager, and while some of the cures listed are not effective, some seem to have worked.

Personally, I feel any information I can gather on how my ancestors functioned in rural America before electrification could be useful in the event we ever had a long term catastrophic disaster that ended our industrial infrastructure. How likely that is, I will leave to you, but even above that, I think this book is worth owning for the historical value alone.

This was one of my first “Prepper” books and I spent many hours reading Foxfire 9and dreaming of a time I could build my own log cabin.

What is the Difference Between a Flare Nut and Combination Wrench

 

Difference Between Flare Nut and Combination Wrenches
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Today we are going to discuss the Difference Between Flare Nut and Combination Wrenches.  Most of us, the mechanics especially, are familiar with a combination wrench.

Combination wrenches contain a simple box end and an open end.  This allows the user to easily tighten and loosen nuts and bolts.

Flare nut wrenches are designed for the flare nut fitting on fluid or gas lines.   In the Marines I was  taught that a flare nut wrench was called a line wrench.  These wrenches cover more of the nut to reduce wounding the nut off (like a box end).  Additionally, the open cut allows the wrench to slip over metal lines.

Obviously, open ended wrenches can be used in the same manner as a flare nut wrench.

However, they just don’t offer as much surface grip on the fittings which increases the likelihood of damage.

Difference Between Flare Nut and Combination Wrenches
Buy at Amazon a Combination Wrench Set

In conclusion, I own both sets, and find that when you need a flare nut wrench you REALLY need one.  Most of the time I do all my work with a trusty set of combination wrenches.

However, as a DIY advocate, I think it is important that you understand the difference between flare nut and combination wrenches.

What I really need is a new impact wrench to go with my flare nut wrenches, unfortunately some thief just stole most of my tools.

The Complete Tightwad Gazette

Book Review: The Complete Tightwad Gazette
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The Complete Tightwad Gazette is along-awaited complete compendium of tightwad tips for fabulous frugal living!

In a newsletter published from May 1990 to December 1996 as well as in three enormously successful books, Amy Dacyczyn established herself as the expert of economy.

Now The Complete Tightwad Gazette brings together all of her best ideas and thriftiest thinking into one volume, along with new articles never published before in book format.

Dacyczyn describes this collection as “the book I wish I’d had when I began my adult life.” Packed with humor, creativity, and insight, The Complete Tightwad Gazette includes hundreds of tips and topics, such as:

  • Travel for tightwads
  • How to transform old blue jeans into potholders and quilts
  • Ten painless ways to save $100 this year
  • Picture-framing for pennies
  • A comparison of painting versus re-siding your house
  • Halloween costumes from scrounged materials
  • Thrifty window treatments
  • Ways to dry up dry-cleaning costs
  • Inexpensive gifts
  • Creative fundraisers for kids
  • Slashing your electric bill
  • Frugal fix-its
  • Cutting the cost of college
  • Moving for less
  • Saving on groceries
  • Gift-wrapping for tightwads
  • Furniture-fusion fundamentals
  • Cheap breakfast cereals
  • Avoiding credit card debt
  • Using items you were about to throw away (milk jugs, plastic meat trays, and more!)

The Complete Tightwad Gazette also contains recipes galore, from penny-pinching pizza to toaster pastries¸ And much much more . . .

How to Deprime Shells without Reloading Tools

 

Shooting: Deprime Shells without Reloading Tools
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Reloading does not have to be fancy or expensive.  You can buy a starter kit for well under $100 if you take your time and only get the essentials.

I have spent hours using a $20 hand reloader and a hammer to reload 20 gauge shotshells.

In the video below, I wanted to show you just how simple a set up you can get away with.  In the video you can learn how to deprime shells without reloading tools.

The technique shown works with shotshells as well as rifle and pistol cartridges.  As long as the rounds are not berdan primed this technique will work.

It can be adapted to use a large nut, or a hole in a workbench, you can use a nail or a punch, and anything you can strike with can be used as a hammer.  Let your needs decide.

However, while you can get away with this, it is much easier to use better tools.  I find that while I can reload with simple tools, it takes longer and when I factor in the value of my time, sometimes it is worth it to spend money for tools that let me work more efficiently.