How to Store Industrial Blades Between Grinds to Prevent Damage
You've just had your blades professionally reground to OEM specification. The last thing you want is for them to arrive back at your facility and be damaged in storage before they're even fitted. Improper blade storage is a surprisingly common cause of edge damage, corrosion and warping — here's how to do it right.
The Main Storage Risks
The three main risks to stored blades are: corrosion (rust forming on the cutting edge and blade faces), mechanical damage (edge chipping from contact with other metal objects), and distortion (warping or bowing from improper support). All three are preventable with the right storage approach.
Corrosion Prevention
Clean blades thoroughly before storage to remove cutting debris, coolant residue and moisture. Apply a thin coat of rust-inhibiting oil or VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) film to all surfaces. For long-term storage, wrap blades in VCI paper or store in VCI bags. Keep storage areas dry — humidity above 60% significantly accelerates corrosion on unprotected steel.
Protecting the Cutting Edge
Never store blades loose in a drawer or box where they can contact each other or other metal objects. Use dedicated blade racks, wooden edge protectors, or purpose-made blade storage cases. For long straight blades, edge protectors (plastic or rubber strips clipped over the cutting edge) are the most practical solution.
Supporting Long Blades Correctly
Long straight blades (over 500mm) must be stored horizontally on full-length support, or vertically in a purpose-made rack. Storing a long blade supported only at its ends allows it to sag under its own weight over time, causing a permanent bow that affects cutting performance and may make the blade ungrindable.
Labelling and Traceability
Label stored blades clearly with machine type, blade specification and date of last regrind. This makes it easy to rotate blades correctly and track regrind history. KMW Blade Grinding Ltd can advise on blade management systems for businesses with large blade inventories across Yorkshire — from Sheffield and Rotherham to Leeds, Hull and Harrogate.