Product review (5 stars): Does the Job
HOW MANY
You probably need more than you think.  My dishwaster took about 120 tine caps.

WHAT FOR
The most important reason to use the tine caps is to protect your dishes from scratches.  Sure, they also protect the tines from rust--but the ends of the tines are not where the important rust happens.

INSTALLING
> If you don't use glue, then soaking the caps in hot water makes it easier.
> Even better, apply a little Household Goop&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Amazing-Goop-All-Purpose-Household-Goop-3-7-Ounce-Tube-130012/dp/B0000A605I/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Amazing Goop All-Purpose Household Goop, 3.7-Ounce Tube #130012</a>&nbsp;to the tip of the tine, then slide the cap on---the fresh goop acts a lubricant and makes the caps easier to install; when it hardens, it holds the tips securely in place.

GLUEING THEM ON
If you don't glue them in place when you install them, the first several times you run the dishwasher, you'll find one or two loose caps on the filter screen.  Check to see if any are half-off, if so push them back down. After about a week, they will tighten up on their own.

OTHER RUST PREVENTION
Examine your dishwasher basket frequently for signs of rust.  Apply dabs of Household Goop on the smallest rust spots as soon as you see them.

CAUTION
There is a product called "Uber GOOP" which is optionally sold in kits with rack-tines.  I've purchased it (but not used it), and as far as I can tell, it's just enamel paint in a small container---it probably works fairly well if are very fastidious at getting at the very first signs of rust and/or prepare the surface  well---but I don't think that it is as effective as Household Goop, because a thin layer of paint it would not be as effective as a thick layer of cushioning glue in resisting the impact or rubbing of plates rattling around.

> Click on Stoney just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.