Craftsman screwdrivers....

[illmatyk]

I have a set of Craftsman screwdrivers I got a few years ago. They are not the professional grade, just the basic ones. They are good but as of late I have noticed that the handles start to smell. Is there anyway to get rid of the smell?

 

[boostedgt]

i dont think so, its something going on with the plastic.

 

[klhitman]

if you are smelling your tools then you need some help

 

[illmatyk]

i dont think so, its something going on with the plastic.

dang!

if you are smelling your tools then you need some help

, when i open my screwdriver drawer you can smell them.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

they are made of a plastic derived from wood pulp. (acetate?) Over the years from being handled with sweaty hands and being put away oily and dirty and stored in a hot box this breaks down the acatate causing it to smell (like ****!) and have people ask questions about it. not to worry its just the material. if the smell bothers you so much I suggest looking elsewhere because all cman basic screwdrivers are going to make this smell.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Zrexxer]

they are made of a plastic derived from wood pulp. (acetate?)

Yep, cellulose acetate.

 

[djb2]

they are made of a plastic derived from wood pulp. (acetate?) Over the years from being handled with sweaty hands and being put away oily and dirty and stored in a hot box this breaks down the acetate causing it to smell (like ****!)

Even never-used screwdrivers kept in moderate temperatures develop the smell.

 

[theoldwizard1]

t Over the years from being handled with sweaty hands and being put away oily and dirty and stored in a hot box this breaks down the acatate causing it to smell (like ****!) ...

Actually, I always thought the smelled like puke !

Hey, they are Craftsman. Take them back and get them replaced.

 

[mrholeshot]

I had a set oce and it smelled like someone puked in my tool box. I took them out and gave them away

 

[MoToys]

Get some tool dip and put the plastic ends in. Now you have soft grip screwdrivers and covered up the smell.

 

[toolman1967]

Get some tool dip and put the plastic ends in. Now you have soft grip screwdrivers and covered up the smell.

2X that, I havent noticed any smell.....makes me want to go out and sniff them

 

[bushpilot]

were talking the clear hard plastic handles RIGHT ??
the ones w/ red & blue on 'em ??

Ive noticed it too...worse since i changed the drawer liners over to
the "husky" tool liners (available in a roll at lowes).

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've been lucky - only ever had one develop the funk.

 

[illmatyk]

Actually, I always thought the smelled like puke !

Hey, they are Craftsman. Take them back and get them replaced.

Will they do that?

Get some tool dip and put the plastic ends in. Now you have soft grip screwdrivers and covered up the smell.

Whats tool dip?

were talking the clear hard plastic handles RIGHT ??
the ones w/ red & blue on 'em ??

Ive noticed it too...worse since i changed the drawer liners over to
the "husky" tool liners (available in a roll at lowes).

Yup! Those are the ones!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Will they do that?

Last year I replaced about 15 screwdrivers (my box and my son's box). Not all at one time, but no questions asked.

 

[HandyManny]

The plastic on my Cman screwdrivers has always had a slight odor to it, not a stink, but a resin type odor. Doesn't bother me any. Any guy who works with tools knows that if you work in a garage you are likely bombarted with all types of other potent aromas - gasoline, oil, carb cleaner, degreasers, ****** fluid, rubber, etc.

 

[bushpilot]

while i agree - i dont wanna open a drawer of screwdrivers and SMELL **** either !

 

[archirelic]

The plastic on my Cman screwdrivers has always had a slight odor to it, not a stink, but a resin type odor. Doesn't bother me any. Any guy who works with tools knows that if you work in a garage you are likely bombarted with all types of other potent aromas - gasoline, oil, carb cleaner, degreasers, ****** fluid, rubber, etc.

say it ain't so...

 

[HandyManny]

while i agree - i dont wanna open a drawer of screwdrivers and SMELL **** either !

If they're smelling like **** then somethings wrong. Better start keeping your tool chest locked. Sounds like someone is getting into your tools and sticking your screwdriver handles somewhere they shouldn't be sticking them

 

[pipsters]

If they're smelling like **** then somethings wrong. Better start keeping your tool chest locked. Sounds like someone is getting into your tools and sticking your screwdriver handles somewhere they shouldn't be sticking them

Yep I agree, my dads are 15+ years old they smell like the new ones do, definitely a strong smell but not human waste.

 

[bushpilot]

If they're smelling like **** then somethings wrong. Better start keeping your tool chest locked. Sounds like someone is getting into your tools and sticking your screwdriver handles somewhere they shouldn't be sticking them

maybe all those years of breathing all those shop chemicals has diminished
your ability to smell <****> !

theres definitely a REACTION to the type of drawer liners used...ive had these screw drivers 20 years and not until i switched tool boxes (and drawer liners) have i noticed the issue.

 

[JSBriggs]

Yep I agree, my dads are 15+ years old they smell like the new ones do, definitely a strong smell but not human waste.

I think '****' is used in the general sense here. Mine actually smell like vomit.

-Jeff

 

[bushpilot]

I think '****' is used in the general sense here. Mine actually smell like vomit.

-Jeff

agree ! STANK is STANK !

 

[nikonica]

I think I remember reading in a Craftsman catalog in the late '90s that the handles were made of butyrate. Butyrate is derived from cellulose, and contains butyric (or butanoic) acid. The acid is what stinks. Xcelite screwdriver handles are made from this same material and have the same problem, although I don't really notice it much and it doesn't bother me.

http://www.polymerplastics.com/transparents_but.shtml

Other screwdrivers with translucent handles made from petroleum-based acetate don't seem to smell like anything - I have Vaco, Stanley 100 Plus, S-K, AT&G, Diamond, Truecraft, and a few other brands that give off no odor.

This is a pretty humorous topic that comes up about twice a year, it seems.

 

[jeffj78]

I had that smelly issue with a few of mine - easy fix, spray them with carb/brake cleaner. Problem solved.

 

[MAD]

I recently got a few new PB Swiss screw drivers with red translucent handles. When I opened the plastic bags they came sealed in, the vomit like stench was really nasty. After a couple days sitting out they were a little better but still fairly pungent at a distance of several feet. After scrubbing them in a paste of baking soda,water, and a drop or two of liquid dish soap they are now OK. There is still a hint of an odor but only if you place them right under your nose. I guess time will tell if the smell comes back or goes away completely.

 

[HandyManny]

maybe all those years of breathing all those shop chemicals has diminished
your ability to smell <****> !

theres definitely a REACTION to the type of drawer liners used...ive had these screw drivers 20 years and not until i switched tool boxes (and drawer liners) have i noticed the issue.

I don't use drawer liners, so I can't say I know exactly the reaction you're having with those two materials together. The acetate handles do have an odor to them when new and even after years of use sometimes. My reply about the "****" was simply some light hearted humor. I know you didn't meant "****" literally, but you said it and I just couldn't resist

 

[Original Man]

I take it these are decent screwdrivers otherwise?

 

[HandyManny]

I take it these are decent screwdrivers otherwise?

Generally I've always been pleased with them. From what I read, a lot of folks (some folks) here don't seem to like them much. But I personally think they do the job just fine.

 

[MoToys]

Whats tool dip?

Just easier to give a link.
http://www.plastidip.com/

 

[diesel research]

I take it these are decent screwdrivers otherwise?

Other than the handle and blade, ya I guess the "rest" of it is ok.

 

[illmatyk]

I had that smelly issue with a few of mine - easy fix, spray them with carb/brake cleaner. Problem solved.

I will try that.

I take it these are decent screwdrivers otherwise?

They are ok, I've had mine for over 5 years and they have served pretty me well.

Just easier to give a link.
http://www.plastidip.com/

Thanks!

 

[fflintstone]

mine kinda smell like ash and burnt plastic.

 

[dodge610]

When my craftsman screwdrivers got the crud i never noticed much of a stink to them just a white film that was slick to try and hold onto. I followed hammers directions on how to get rid of the crud and so far so good. I might add most of my Craftsman screwdrivers are 25 to 30 years old never had a problem or complaint about them till the crud.

 

[KU_MechE]

Anyone know if the Husky screwdrivers smell like Craftsman? I have the Husky Nutdrivers and they have no smell, but I'd like a screwdriver handle for a ratchet project.

http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hard...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[dodge610]

I took mine washed in soap and water,then dipped in plastic prep,and lastly sprayed them with adhesion promoter BINGO just like new again. Took a little work but the smell or the crud has not returned pretty sure i got rid of it for good. The best thing is it was like getting 30 new screwdrivers.

 

[Mr-Sleeper-34]

Stinky thread .

I took mine washed in soap and water,then dipped in plastic prep,and lastly sprayed them with adhesion promoter BINGO just like new again. Took a little work but the smell or the crud has not returned pretty sure i got rid of it for good. The best thing is it was like getting 30 new screwdrivers.

^This sounds like decent idea.

 

[littlekillertoad]

I don't know about you guys, but that smell doesn't bother me at all. Don't get me wrong, it smells. But I've just gotten used to it.

 

[Indy78]

I guess I'm lucky, never had any of mine smell.

 

[Hud]

This makes me laugh...hope I dont go home and start sniffing all tools in my garage!