protecting tools from rust
Hello, hopefully this isnt a too often asked question, but recently ive started restoring old metal tools like metal planes and wood chisels. First 2 times i sprayed on clear lacquer and left it and its fine, but i realised it wont hold, so i then bought some sewing machine oil and started applying it, leaving it for 20 minutes and then wipping it off and done, but ive had cases where i still got rust ( garage is very damp and moist, but the tools rusted even at home), which i then figured out to be from not cleaning the tool before oiling, so i bought acetone. End of story there. Im trying to figure out whats the best or atleast good way to protect tools from rust without painting them? I have a few drawknives i want to derust, i would either wirebrush them or something, but then but the oil just seems inconsistent and too weak for my needs.
How else could i protect my tools from rust while keep in mind, doing so in a small workshop with not too many tools? Also id prefer if the method can darken the metal, but im more into just keeping it safe from rust. Ive looked at blueing before, but one seems impossible for me ( heats up the metal, which i cant overdo on a knife ), and the other blueing option is crazy expensive and acttuly also not that great, like 30 bucks per small bottle.
If you read all of this and thought of something please tell me what you think, Thank you.