How Budget-Friendly Charcoal Can Extend The Life Of Your Tools

Right before the last school bell rings for the year and the days become longer, people across the country dust off their grills and load up on charcoal to get ready for cookout season. But before inviting guests, you'll probably want to spruce up your landscape, and perhaps you even have some tinkering you need to do around the house. The last thing you want to do when you reach into your toolbox is to pull out rust-damaged tools. After all, you've invested good money in your collection of must-have gardening tools, screwdrivers, and wrenches, and you want them to last as long as possible. While there are hacks to remove rust from your tools and other items in your kit, the best option is to prevent oxidation from happening in the first place. That's where the bag of charcoal you already have comes in handy.

Rust (iron oxide) is a chemical reaction that happens when iron is exposed to water and oxygen over a certain period of time. Without one of those elements, rust can't happen. Repurposing your charcoal to prevent rusty tools by reducing one of those elements can be very effective. It's also inexpensive because you likely already have a bag of charcoal at the ready.

A simple way to use the charcoal leftover from your summer barbecues is to simply add a briquette to your toolbox or whatever container is housing your tools. The charcoal has a dehumidifying effect, reducing the moisture in the air surrounding your various gadgets. However, keep in mind that charcoal briquettes are not absorbent like sponges; they simply dehumidify the space. It's still important to completely dry your tools before putting them away. Other ways you can repurpose your charcoal around your home include using it to reduce odors, replace your mulch, and keep bugs away.

If you find rust on your tools despite your efforts, that doesn't necessarily mean they can't be saved. In fact, several of the ingredients needed to remove rust, like baking soda, vinegar, and salt, are likely in your home right now. However, heavy rust damage might require more extreme measures and some items might be beyond repair. To give you the best chance of saving your tools, examine them regularly and treat any problems as soon as you see them.