rejuvenating rubber/grippy screwdriver handles?

[petee_c]

I have a set of Mastercraft (Cdn Tire brand) screwdrivers from about 10 yrs ago. They were good screwdrivers on sale locally.

I am noticing that they seem to be sweating oil in my toolbox. I am wiping them off with a disposable blue shop rag before I use them, but it's getting annoying. I believe it is the grippy texture reacting with something, or just going bad.

They haven't gone sticky or slimy yet, just oily....

My garage isn't climate controlled, but I think it happens more when the tool is colder than the air on warmer day.

 

[Finky198]

Many have tried to fix this its inevitable. Each brand fails in their own way. The Craftsman stink, The old snap on's fell apart, some others turn yellow or cloudy. At this point 10 years and from master craft best to just replace them.

Their are plenty of better manufacturers that are using better handle materials now a days, but it will cost you ( Wiha, Wera, PbSwiss, Snap on to name a few). Klein, SK, Wiha and a few other also make quality tools I'd consider a teir down from the top. That would include some USA made and some German and Taiwan. But if your on a serious budget your at the mercy of the Chinese plastics they use... at HF, Princess Auto, Canadian tire, TSC, Even some of the big box stores.

I wish I had better news . Hey at least it gives you a reason to buy another tool

 

[petee_c]

They were nice when they were new. Still functional, the handle has a nice shape.. Not sticky at least... will be on the prowl for a newer set of non grippy type.

I think it is oil or solvents coming in contact with them from working on the vehicles that is doing them in.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I use Fuller brand from Princess Auto. I don't like the Mastercraft at all. Fuller have a large hard plastic handle the doesn't degrade and they are comfortable to hold.

 

[petee_c]

Looking at the Fuller's online, it doesn't look like they have the hardened tips... price is right....

 

[Larryjones]

Maybe dipping in Plasti Dip would seal the rubber or strip the rubber off and dip.

 

[TheCarbideRat]

The Williams 8 pc set is a favorite around GJ. Can be had for $40 / $50 bucks. They have identical to the old school Snapon hardhandles.

 

[pstemari]

The rubber overmolding tends get weird with age. I have some Logitech mice with the same problem.


Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[TheCarbideRat]

Had my SO hardhandles [orange] for 30 years now, use em almost every day.

 

[petee_c]

The Williams 8 pc set is a favorite around GJ. Can be had for $40 / $50 bucks. They have identical to the old school Snapon hardhandles.

They look nice, but we get hosed in Canada... see Amazon.ca prices...

 

[lilredex]

You might try "Rubber Renew" if those are really rubber.

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products...ers/specialty-cleaners/rubber-renue-408a-408b


I found it at Sayal.

http://sayal.com/zinc/index.asp


I bought it to rejuvenate some rollers on a planer I had....there was some improvement to the grip.

 

[Warrenator]

I also vote for Plasti-Dip, you can order it in many colors.

Or less fancy, wrap them in self fusing electric tape.

 

[DFB]

Ru Gylde tire mounting lube renews and cleans rubber, leather, and vinyl pretty darn good

 

[TheCarbideRat]

They look nice, but we get hosed in Canada... see Amazon.ca prices...

I see that! You get gypped on other stuff too, some nice folding knives etc. I know are difficult / expensive to source from Canada. Pain in the azz....greedy fux.

 

[TheCarbideRat]

You could try to find the exact size rubber hose for each handle, for a good friction fit I've done that to several of my tools pliers, wrenches and screwdrivers. I find the right hose if it's not good and tight I glue em on / no problems. They have worked out nice.