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

14 Jul.,2025

 

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

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.

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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.

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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.

Prevent Internal Pipe Corrosion - Heartland Repair & Coating

Did you know that internal pipe corrosion caused 12% of pipeline incidents between -? Pipelines are a huge infrastructure investment, and any failure means lost resources.

It is imperative to maintain the physical integrity of pipelines. Regular maintenance will extend their lifespan, reduce environmental hazards, and save on replacement costs. Heartland Repair and Coatings provides solutions that will ensure effective pipeline wear prevention and repair.

What is internal pipe corrosion?

This form of corrosion refers to any corrosion occurring inside of pipe structure.

It’s surprising because we typically think of corrosion as oxidation that occurs when metal is exposed to a harsh outdoor environment, but special conditions can also cause the interior of pipelines to corrode.

High pressure and material contamination lead to internal pipe corrosion.

Although the internal walls of pipelines are protected from the outdoor elements, they experience their own set of stressors. High pressure and constant material flow wear away the internal walls. Without proper maintenance, disaster can strike, and your pipelines can fail.

Material contamination can speed up interior pipe corrosion.

If there are imperfections in the oil or gas, they can aggravate the pipeline’s structure and cause corrosion. Molecules in the oil such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), water, and organic acids are all considered contaminates.

Why is internal pipe corrosion detrimental?

Internal pipe corrosion is a time-dependent threat.

As time goes on, the corrosion damage worsens. Without early intervention, this type of corrosion will lead to pipeline failure.

Pipeline failure can lead to slow output.

Internal pipeline corrosion causes approximately 60% of corrosion-related failures. As the surface corrodes, material loss leads to “pinhole” leakage, cracks, or splitting of the pipeline material. This breakage results in a reduction of pressure. Damage due to internal corrosion significantly impacts delivery speeds.

Luckily, there are a few methods to monitor and manage internal pipe corrosion.

Here at Heartland Repair and Coatings, we recommend 5 steps to take against internal pipe corrosion.

  1. Proper material selection & manufacturing processes
  2. Quality control
  3. Protective coatings
  4. Corrosion inhibiting additives
  5. Line cleaning (to remove water & other contaminants)

Step 1: Proper material selection & manufacturing processes

You need to ensure the pipeline’s quality before you install it.

Imagine how much money and time you could waste if you install a faulty section of pipe. Quality control is your first line of defense to avoid material failure due to manufacturing imperfections.

Manufacturing imperfections increase the likelihood of early-onset internal corrosion.

Uneven surface conditions will harbor corrosive material. Like plaque in an artery, the corrosive material builds up begins to cause problems. Centralized corrosion, known as pitting, will begin to occur inside of your pipeline. Without intervention, the corrosion will continue to spread.

Step 2: Quality Control

On-site fabrication quality checks are imperative to long-lasting pipelines.

Even if the pipe materials and manufacturing are sound, fabrication presents new possibilities for error. Faulty pipeline fabrication leads to failure modes related to excessive stress & improper joining.

Step 3: Protective Coatings

An anti-corrosion coating is your best bet against internal pipe corrosion.

Not only do these coatings help protect your pipe’s internal surface from oxidation, but they also improve the hydraulic flow efficiency by reducing the friction caused by uncoated surfaces.

Cold spray is an innovative protective coating.

Some of the best coating materials to protect oil and gas pipelines are quite new to the market. Cold Spray, an innovation in surface repair and wear prevention, is a high-quality, environmentally friendly solution for corrosion prevention.

There are many possibilities with Cold spray.

Cold spray is a very versatile protective coating. It is extremely durable and the long-term quality of cold spray will help ensure that internal pipe corrosion does not slow you down.

Cold spray particles can be a combination of multiple materials.

You can control the characteristics of your surface coating material with Cold Spray. Particles can be combined and deposited onto your substrate, forming a durable preventative coating suited directly to your needs.

Step 4: Corrosion inhibiting additives

By implementing corrosion inhibiting additives into the oil substrate, you can decrease internal pipe corrosion.  As it flows through the pipeline, even a small amount of corrosion inhibitor will make a difference in the wearing process.

These additives can help eliminate corrosion-causing contaminants.

Additives that prevent the formation of foam will assist greatly in the reduction of internal corrosion. Bubbly foam captures air particles and leads to increased friction. Pitting corrosion and oxidation will occur in the areas affected by foamy substrates.

Step 5: Line cleaning

Keeping clear pipeline pathways is key.

Like clogged arteries, clogged pipelines lead to disastrous outcomes. It takes creative solutions to properly clean the inside of pipelines. Luckily, some interesting innovations have already been created.

This “pig” is your pipeline’s best friend.

Cleaning the internal surfaces of your pipelines will make a huge difference in the longevity of your components. There is a device called a “pig” that can be inserted into the pipe. The “pig” is propelled by the internal pressure of the pipeline and moves along with the oil flow.

You can scrub away scale and buildup with a “pig”

They are often outfitted with an abrasive circular mesh brush. With this brush, the pig scrapes away rust, scale, or paraffin wax deposits off the inside of the pipe.

For more information, please visit Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipe.

Following these five key steps will help ensure that your pipeline doesn’t succumb to internal pipe corrosion.