Ok. 2 points.
1. Residue from fingers can and will rust metal, even if chromed. Learned that the hard way with my MA weapons when I didn't take good care of them.
Before you move clean your tools WELL and oil them(preferably in a preservation oil).
2. Not all is lost but it will take some elbow grease. Not having seen pics I would assume you are dealing with surface rust, that can be removed with brasso & fine-steel wool, etc.
Also get a water-based metal polish/cleaner for finishing up.
If it is surface rust it will show up as small spots and hair-crack style lines, seen it often as I had to buy 2nd-hand spares for my 30yrs old Bikes.
HTH.