How do you prevent rust on the outside of steel and iron fittings?. both on the shelf and once installed? Would it make sense to coat them with mineral oil? Is there some other trick?

Thanks in advance,

Paul in East Troy WI

How do you prevent rust on the outside of steel and iron fittings? ...both on the shelf and once installed? Would it make sense to coat them with mineral oil? Is there some other trick?

Thanks in advance,

Paul in East Troy WI
Hey Paul, I'm a transplant from Beloit to Florida. Wire brush them and spray them with any kind of oil to inhibit rust. May I ask what do you have all those old galvanized fittings around for? Regards, Tom

The aren't galvanized -- they're plain steel and iron.

Paul

Moisture and humidity are the problem.

If oil won't bother the final use (Gas lines, for instance), that's an option.

You can individually bag them and place a dessicant packet with them.

You can store in a dessicator.

The last answer hit the nail on the head.
Rust can only occur with moisture. Humidity is the enemy. Sealing in plastic bags will help, even without a dessicant. For installed fittings that are exposed to humid air there's not much you can do. Pipes that rust quickly are an indicator of a moisture problem that need to be addressed.
Vapor barrier, basement drainage, gutter downspouts too close the foundation??