Thread: Storing hones?

Originally Posted by roughkype

Be careful with garage storage--I did have a waterstone blow a chunk once when it froze.

Is it safe to bleach a Norton, or use some barbasol on it to kill the mildew?

#1, yeah, stones are notorious for that. Prolly not so well known to you folks here, but the tool folks are well aware of it since they usually use stones in sheds/garages/workshops that may not be climate controlled.

(But I have a nice photo of two stones encased in ice. So not all stones are susceptible.)

#2, I don't know. Give it a try, can't hurt since a mildew filled stone is a nasty thing to be in possession of and in your neck of the woods, Norton are inexpensive enough that killing one for the greater good would be a lovely gesture. Mine cost me twice what yours did since shipping was a killer!


Nortons and Kings are generally considered safe to leave permanently submerged, and a little bleach to keep the bugs down is a good idea. I don't imagine that many of you are using these stones often enough to warrant the hassle of permanent soaking though, so drying them out is a better plan.

And keeps the unbearded ones happier.

Stu.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I hone standing in front of the kitchen sink so I let the stones dry in the dish drainer and then put them in the kitchen cabinet.

And my wife looked at me like I was crazy when I had 20lbs of stones soaking in the sink while I was lapping. HAD will test any relationship.