My rusty ol' tools

[SallyWho]

I have some long forceps and shorter tweezers for things like moving frags without having to get excessively wet, or to pinch off bubble algae, etc. They are both stainless steel and only a few months old. However, no matter how well I rinse with RODI and thoroughly dry them after use, they rust. It's ugly, and one of these days, a chunk of rust is going to chip off and fall behind something where I can't get to it. So what are your favorite tools that won't rust so easily? I'm looking for something longer and pinchy, something short and pinchy, and- for when I get SPS that I might frag- some bone cutters or something. Thanks!

 

[dantimdad]

Good luck. Everything I have tried, even stuff that said it was for use in salt or freshwater, rusts.

If someone has a grabber that will reach to the bottom of a 24" tall tank that won't rust and can be used to pick up snail shells and place corals, please post a link here.

 

[SallyWho]

Good luck. Everything I have tried, even stuff that said it was for use in salt or freshwater, rusts.

If someone has a grabber that will reach to the bottom of a 24" tall tank that won't rust and can be used to pick up snail shells and place corals, please post a link here.

No kidding! A grabber for a 24" deep tank would be fantastic.

 

[Leadfooted]

Good luck. Everything I have tried, even stuff that said it was for use in salt or freshwater, rusts.

If someone has a grabber that will reach to the bottom of a 24" tall tank that won't rust and can be used to pick up snail shells and place corals, please post a link here.

Maybe??? https://www.amazon.com/AquaticHI-Aq...ds=B0747MB9CT&qid=1553610549&s=gateway&sr=8-1

 

[SallyWho]

Maybe??? https://www.amazon.com/AquaticHI-Aq...ds=B0747MB9CT&qid=1553610549&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Hmmmm. All plastic, so no rust. No great reviews, but for $15? Maybe!

 

[dantimdad]

Maybe??? https://www.amazon.com/AquaticHI-Aq...ds=B0747MB9CT&qid=1553610549&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Tried those, broke in a couple weeks. :(

 

[Fourstars]

Mine all rusted two. I already dose iron, so not to concerned if a little flakes off.

 

[acro-ed]

I have several (very) rusty tools. Never had an issue.

 

[dantimdad]

Honestly, it's not concern for it getting into the aquarium, it's they stain whatever they touch and just look nasty.

Maybe that's petty, but I would like my things to look nice.

 

[dadnjesse]

Maybe??? https://www.amazon.com/AquaticHI-Aq...ds=B0747MB9CT&qid=1553610549&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I also had one of those that did not last very long

 

[Leadfooted]

Tried those, broke in a couple weeks. :(

Thanks for the feedback

 

[amoore311]

The only way you are going to get rust free tools, is to clean off your metal tools with Fresh Water thoroughly after every time they touch salt water, then dry completely. You also would have to store them well away from the tank due to the salt spray.

It's easier to just buy new ones every couple years in my opinion lol.

 

[dantimdad]

Yeah, as stated above by the OP rinsing really doesn't cut it.

I replace mine every year or so, but just looking for a better solution.

I may have to design something.

 

[reef_ranch]

Try the Tunze 32" tongs. They are pretty bulletproof and can hold a decent amount of weight. I've had the long set for more than 5 years and the short set for 3. No issue with either set.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-tongs-tunze.html

 

[SandJ]

I use a tiny bit of olive oil on my tools (especially at a movable joint like on bone cutters). I put a few drops on and open and close the tool to work it in. I store it this way...sometimes I will give it a quick wash before putting it in the tank, but a lot of the time I forget.

You can buy the huge grabber tools at places like harbor freight. Just go to a Tractor Supply Company or some other farm store and get the gloves for working with livestock (or a vet may give/sell you a few pairs). You can put the glove over the tool and keep water from getting inside it.

 

[kirbuno]

I use the ones from Amazon as others have shown. They are ok for just grabbing stuff but for small stuff only and they don't have much dexterity, easy to drop stuff you just picked up. The other one https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/aquarium-tongs-tunze.html looks better for dexterity, but look kind of big for small areas.
Wish there was something in-between, but with plastic at least there is no rust.