As summer wears on and humidity mounts, farriers have a few techniques to prevent rust from forming on their tools.

Some regularly clean and oil them, others use a desiccant, such as silica gel packets. Sullivan, Wis., farrier Gary Pfeiffer uses a popular summertime product.

“If you live in a humid area and deal with rusting nails, put a charcoal briquette in each nail box,” he says. “It absorbs moisture, keeping your nails rust free. This works with wrenches and sockets, too. Every drawer in my toolbox has a charcoal briquette in it.”

What do you to combat rust? Share your tips in the comment section.

For more tips on repairing and maintaining farrier tools, read the Q&A in the July/August 2017 issue of American Farriers Journal.