Rust Proofing

[Big Tuna]

For the bit of snow that got in my trapper supply box, the tools rusted real quick. What do you do for rust proofing?

For items like thin shovel, ice scraper which will be used as ice chisel and ice tester later, pliers, wire cutters, hatchet and other fast rusting items, I have rubbed some 80W90 Gear Oil on them to keep the rust in control. WD40 stinks too much so didn't want to use.

Would it be better to just let them rust to be scent free. Functional items like pliers and wire cutters can be cleaned with CLR when needed as they start to seize. Or keep rust proofing with gear oil, or other. Been rust proofing my deer butchering tools with Mazola Corn Oil after cleaning, may start using Corn Oil on trapping tools too but leaves a sticky film.

If influences your answer, my only target animal this winter is Beaver.

[tkipfer]

If beaver is all you're after, I wouldn't worry too much about scent on your tools. An oil based paint would probably do the trick to keep them rust free. Bright orange sure helps find them in the snow too when you inevitably put them down without thinking about it. I've already almost lost my trap setters three times this season...

Anything you don't want paint on could probably just use a liberal coating of mineral oil or something similar, just so long as you stay on top of applying it every few uses.

[sawbill]

Most guys I know didn't worry about rust on their tools. Not sure what your trapper box is made of but I'd have something with a lid to keep snow and rain out but with some vents to let the air circulate. This would lessen any amount of rusting you would get on your tools.
Most trappers I worked with simply carried their stuff open in a sleigh towed behind their snowmachine but they didn't rust much because the weather was cold and the air was dry.