Other metals, including stainless steel, do not rust but can corrode. Rust is a chemical reaction that happens when water and oxygen combine with iron. You don't have to throw away your tools just because they're rusted. You may remove the rust off the surface as long as there are no holes in the metal. Use a wire brush for coarse work such as cleaning off heavy corrosion or scale, or use a sandpaper block for fine tuning. Stainless steel will rust if exposed to air and water. The best way to prevent corrosion is by not exposing stainless steel to moisture and other substances that might cause damage. Some things you can do include: keeping pump parts clean by washing them with soap and water after using them where water is likely to collect; covering up rusty nails or other metal pieces with plastic or wood; and using stainless-steel cookware and housewares instead of aluminum or copper. Corrosion is the loss of metal from an object caused by oxidation. Iron, for example, will oxidize and lose its strength if it's not kept out of contact with air. Other elements, such as zinc, will do the same thing. Corrosion can be controlled by using non-corrosive materials in construction projects or in home repairs. Stainless steel is a special type of iron that resists corrosion very well because it's made of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.