What's the best way to preserve watch parts?

[timeseeker]

What do you guys use to preserve steel watch parts? I have tens of thousands of parts that I want to preserve and prevent rust for long periods of storage.

I don't think WD-40 is any good as it dries out or a detergent oil because the other chemicals in it could stain the parts over time? Maybe a non-detergent oil or Hydraulic fluid? I'm thinking of using the hydraulic fluid than sealing them in zip lock plastic bags? I live in a humid climate so I want to protect the parts best I can.

Thanks!

 

[Joseph Short]

You can get desicant powder in craft stores, it is commonly used in drying flowers.
I place some of that in a small porous pouch (my wife orders empty tea bags to make her own, they work great), then put one into a ziplock vacuum bag along with the parts, and then suck out the air. Seems to work great.

 

[Samantha]

I too live in a humid climate. The AC is running during the humid parts of the year, which provides "climate controlled storage". I've always left my parts in their original packaging, whatever form that is, and haven't had an issue. On rare occasion I'll open one and the part will be rusted, but that is the exception, and not worth taking extra measures to prevent.
Samantha

 

[technitype]

I would suggest using the silica gel packets AND using "rust blockers"- these are chemical treated foam blocks.

Store the watch parts inside a sealed container...like a Tupperware container, along with the rust blockers and silica jell packets.

 

[timeseeker]

Joe, I would be concerned with the vacuum sealing damaging very delicate parts such as escape wheels if you seal more than one and if you need to open the package you would have to vacuum seal it again.Sounds like a great idea for non delicate parts that you don't intend to open very often.

Samantha,Sounds like you been lucky to NOT run into much rust being from Florida, I run a dehumidifier all summer long up here in Mass and many parts I have in the original packing from the 1930s to the 50s have developed rust so I will be taking them all out to try and stop this, even hands are starting to rust,plus 2/3 of my parts are not in original packing, I bought termination inventory that included a few thousand of one gear and these were all put in a metal can type things from the factory, this way I can spray them down with something and leave em be, I have many of these containers filled.I aslo have some cans that were sealed up from the factory and need to be opened with a can opener.

Tech, I use an oil coated paper used for storing machines with exposed steel and put the silica gel packs in plastic containers with the parts and on top of that I put the containers in wooden drawers but I'm probably going to coat these parts with something as well.

Thanks Bob.

 

[Joseph Short]

I should have been more precise. I do not have a major humidity issue, and only store durable parts, screws, wheels, plates etc in this manner. And then only parts that are likely to be stored for a longer time. Currently, since I am only a beginner, I do not have a lot of parts, or a frequent need for them, so storing for a loger duration is more my speed.

 

[technitype]

I too live in a humid climate. The AC is running during the humid parts of the year, which provides "climate controlled storage". I've always left my parts in their original packaging, whatever form that is, and haven't had an issue. On rare occasion I'll open one and the part will be rusted, but that is the exception, and not worth taking extra measures to prevent.
Samantha

Sounds like you have been extraordinarily LUCKY- I wish I could say the same thing...!

I have purchased NOS watch parts in the original sealed paper envelope factory packaging, and I have had a lot of problems with rusted steel parts. The trouble is that wood and paper are hydoscopic (absorbs and holds moisture). Even the corks in the little glass bottles are permeable to moisture!

Rust is like gangrene when it comes to watch parts.

I have had really good luck using a product called "rust blockers" to prevent rust. A brand name I am familiar with is called "Bullfrog". I am sure there are other brands just as good- but I am not familiar with them.

These "rust blockers" are self-adhesive, chemically treated, foam strips- they are most effective when they are used inside of small closed spaces. They emit a chemical vapor that bonds with the metal surface(s) and forms a barrier against moisture and corrosion.

I stick them inside the covers of my staking sets, jeweling tool sets...and inside the wooden drawers of my work bench. (I wish I had thought of placing one inside the cardboard container holding my set of Levin balloon chucks!...well, "live and learn".)

These rust blockers work BEAUTIFULLY at preventing rust...I know from experience.

Another product put out by "Bullfrog" is spray lubricant with rust blocker- this stuff is extremely good!

...and in case you are wondering- no, I am NOT associated with the company that makes the Bullfrog product line...I am merely passing along my experiences regarding a fine product.

 

[RJSoftware]

This might be a little unrelated/related but I am finding it best to not take apart a donar movement and accumulate "like" parts in a common bin. It just adds to the work load of "finding" the right part. Besides sometimes the donar winds up being the one to salvage.

 

[technitype]

This might be a little unrelated/related but I am finding it best to not take apart a donar movement and accumulate "like" parts in a common bin. It just adds to the work load of "finding" the right part. Besides sometimes the donar winds up being the one to salvage.

THAT'S for dang sure-!