My new router bits arrived in... oil?

[SilviaS7]

Hi all, I'm a super baby woodworker and I have yet to use a router and router table combo I purchased in June (I will be using it in the next few weeks on my current project).  Anyway, I just ordered a three router bit set and inside the packaging, each of the router bits is totally covered in some kind of oil.  Is this normal?  I've only purchased two other bits previously, and they each arrived in a fancy hard plastic box and no apparent oil.  This new set is just in a plastic housing, nothing fancy (think like a clamshell plastic case, but not impossible to open).  I just don't know if I need to be concerned about sending them back for a return, since they just arrived yesterday.  I'd rather not say the retailer because I don't want to paint anyone in a bad light if I'm just a big dumb baby who doesn't know any better.   

 

[threesixright]

I think its normal.

Most of the time iron/metal has something against rust / oxidation. You can/should clean it off. I clean my metal parts with Ballistol.

Anyway. My thoughts, not 100% sure ;-)

 

[peter halle]

Probably just extra protection against rust.  Clean them and use them. No worries.

Peter

 

[Stephen B]

I have found this to be quite common if bits and blades are from Taiwan. Often these same bits and blades are also wrapped in wax paper. Rather have this minor inconvenience than rust.

In my fathers time as a carpenter in the mid C20 nearly all manufacturers delivered blades this way.

Just clean them before use.

 

[Alanbach]

Just be careful as you clean them off as they are super sharp. If it’s cosmoline (usually dark yellow brownj it greasy and sticky at the same time. Mineral spirits will also clean it and most protectants. Sometimes the sharp edges are also dipped in a rubbery sort of plastic. I usually make a few cuts with a razor knife to make that stuff easier to remove safely. Again, be super careful as it’s really sharp under there.

 

[SilviaS7]

Thank you so much everyone for your help!  Glad to know this isn't unusual at all.  I will also take care when cleaning the bits to make sure I don't cut myself.

 

[tallgrass]

I use a rust inhibitor after cleaning off the packing oil. Better oil than rust.