To keep your garden tools rust-free, store them in a bucket (a child’s sand pail will do too, depending on how many tools you have) filled with sand. Spray cooking oil over the sand. Mix until the sand has become completely moist. Then push your tools into the sand completely covering the metal part. This mixture will form a protective coating that will repel any water that causes rust so your tools will last longer, stay in good condition, and should last for years.