Discussion » Questions » Outside the Mug » How long can I carry a shovel in the trunk of my car without it rusting?

How long can I carry a shovel in the trunk of my car without it rusting?

Actually, more important than that is long how will an unopened 100-pound bag of quicklime last in the trunk of a car?

(I'm asking for a friend.)
~


Posted - January 3, 2018

Responses


  • 44621
    Quicklime is one word.
    It is calcium oxide (CaO) and will absorb moisture from the air to become calcium hydroxide, which is considered a strong base as per definition but is barely soluble with water. I don't know how long it would take for that much to fully convert. It makes an excellent soil "sweetener" for acidic soils.
      January 3, 2018 8:00 AM MST
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  • 53509
    Thanks for the correction, edited!
    :)
      January 3, 2018 8:08 AM MST
    2

  • 44621
    I keep a dictionary tab open all the time.
      January 3, 2018 8:15 AM MST
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  • 13071
    Im not sure. Mine is buried underneath my Ozzie and rope, so I cant see it. ;+   
      January 3, 2018 8:50 AM MST
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  • 46117
    Forever.  The last time I looked, trunks don't hold a lot of water. 



    This post was edited by WM BARR . =ABSOLUTE TRASH at January 3, 2018 9:40 AM MST
      January 3, 2018 9:13 AM MST
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  • 5354
    It will eventually rust, but how fast it will rust depends on a lot of other factors. How much exchange of air there is between the luggage compartment and the air outside it. how humid s the air outside, Is the luggage compartment heated or cold, ...

    example: A common situation is that there are air passages between the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment, people produce a lot of water vapor and heat, even when they are just sitting so this would lead to condensation in a colder luggage compartment, moisture makes things rust faster. If the showel also have traces of salt on it (from shoveling snow) it will rust even faster. Then again sun shining on the luggager compartmenent will quickly heat it op, making for less condensation and dryer air. Lots of factors all balancing against eachother :-))
      January 3, 2018 9:39 AM MST
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  • 22891
    not sure, just dont put anything in there that can cause it to rust
      January 3, 2018 2:59 PM MST
    0