How to Keep Nails Rust-Free
If you're working on an exterior building or remodeling project, you might already be thinking about how weather will affect your work over time. If you're particularly concerned about rust, you might want to consider pre-treating your nails. Properly selected and treated nails can remain rust-free for decades, saving you the trouble of replacing or refurbishing years down the road. Just follow these steps to make the most resilient nails available. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Hot-dipped galvanized nails
- White metal primer
- Paint can opener
- Paint can stirrer
- Large piece of Styrofoam
Instructions
-
-
1
Buy hot-dipped galvanized nails to start with. These nails are already pre-treated with anti-corrosive solutions, but you're going to go one step further and reinforce the protection on the nail heads, where they're more commonly exposed to moisture.
-
2
Set up a work area where you can have your open can of primer next to your large piece of Styrofoam. Shake the can of primer, open it and stir it with a paint can stirring stick.
-
-
3
Hold a nail by the point and dip the head into the primer. Pull it out and allow the excess to drip off. Then turn the nail upright and stick it into the piece of Styrofoam to dry.
-
4
Repeat step three until you've treated all of the nails you need. Do not attempt to dip multiple nails at once; it's best to take your time with this process.
-
5
Wait for all of the nails to fully dry before using them in a project or storing them in your toolbox.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you don't have Styrofoam handy, you can use any dry material that is firm enough to hold the nails in place but soft enough to allow you to push the nails in easily.
Do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated space to avoid inhaling the powerful fumes of the primer.
