Tips for salvaging water-damaged tools

Power tools and equipment

Allow machine to dry out fully, then apply light machine oil to bare metal surfaces. Partially disassemble if necessary to dry interior areas that may trap water.

Find an electrician who can check out the electrical components and/or have it repaired by a professional.

See “e-Salvage”  for information on electronics.

Use WD-40 to speed the drying—the gummy residue will collect dust and cause you problems later on

 Put lubricant on non-metallic parts

Handtools

Rinse, blot, and air dry; metal parts should then be oiled with light machine oil.

 Fire-damaged tools may sometimes be salvaged by a qualified metalsmith.