To Soak or Not to Soak

[Gasgano]

Hi, all.

I'm new to the site.
Seems to be a ton of great information here.
But I can't seem to find a straight answer on the subject of cleaning...

I've got a carrying Craftsman toolbox full of -V- series Craftsman tools I got from my grandfather. I wan't to clean them all up.
Can I soak them all in kerosene or diesel to break up the decades of grease? By soak I'm talking anywhere from a few hours to a few days...
Or will the kerosene or diesel cause harm to the chrome plating?
I tried doing a once over with some 0000 steel wool and WD40 but many of the sockets are deeply built up and I feel a soaking would be best.

Any tips would be great,


Thanks

 

[notlob]

After trying many different ways to clean grease-caked old tools (especially sockets), my preferred method is an overnight soak in a 50/50 dilution of Simple Green.

Solvents will work, and perhaps a bit faster than simple green, but I prefer the non-flammable, low odor, relatively low toxin aspects of simple green.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Atf works well and will not harm them. Just soak em for a day or two

 

[DWise]

I have been using kerosene for 40 plus years with great results. Will not harm the chrome. I keep a couple gallon in a 5 gallon bucket with a screw on lid and several brushes.

 

[930dreamer]

I use ATF in a metal container next to the wood stove in the winter.

 

[Gasgano]

After trying many different ways to clean grease-caked old tools (especially sockets), my preferred method is an overnight soak in a 50/50 dilution of Simple Green.

Solvents will work, and perhaps a bit faster than simple green, but I prefer the non-flammable, low odor, relatively low toxin aspects of simple green.

Ill look into it. Whats the diference between Simple Green and Purple Power?

 

[Gasgano]

I have been using kerosene for 40 plus years with great results. Will not harm the chrome. I keep a couple gallon in a 5 gallon bucket with a screw on lid and several brushes.

This is what ive done in the past with diesel and parts but never soaked tools long term.

 

[454ragtop]

Ok to soak in diesel or kerosene, won't attack the chrome.

 

[rlitman]

Ill look into it. Whats the diference between Simple Green and Purple Power?

Both are corrosive, and will destroy aluminum. I'm not so sure I'd trust either for long term soaks on chrome either.

The ATF or diesel or kerosene soak is the safest option.

 

[LNKMK8]

I've found Purple Power to be very aggressive (in a bad way) as compared to Simple Green. I've also used a 50/50 mix of Simple Green with good results.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If you have diesel or kerosene on hand, they'll work fine - no need to buy anything else and no harm to the chrome.

 

[rlitman]

I've found Purple Power to be very aggressive (in a bad way) as compared to Simple Green. I've also used a 50/50 mix of Simple Green with good results.

Yes, Purple Power is very aggressive. It's mostly lye.

 

[BFBOB]

No lye.

 

[rlitman]

No lye.

And you came to this conclusion how?
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether is the only chemical listed on that SDS, and that is slightly acidic, while the pH in the SDS is listed as 12.98.

How do you explain that? Oh yeah, it's mostly lye.

The lesson is that an SDS is NOT a list of ingredients.

edit: but the SDS does tell us more than just the pH (which is not really great at telling us the exact concentration). With a freezing point of -2C, it looks like it is roughly a 2% NaOH solution. That correlates with the listed Specific Gravity pretty well too if you want to make your own now.

 

[BFBOB]

And you came to this conclusion how?
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether is the only chemical listed on that SDS, and that is slightly acidic, while the pH in the SDS is listed as 12.98.

How do you explain that? Oh yeah, it's mostly lye.

The lesson is that an SDS is NOT a list of ingredients.

I'm aware of that. It is a list of HAZARDOUS ingredients. I think lye qualifies, and since it's not listed I conclude it doesn't contain any.

Just for laughs, I got an image of the back label of the bottle. Sodium Hydroxide not listed, but ... "alkaline detergents" ?? Gotta admit the what to do if swallowed sounds an awful lot like what's on a Drano bottle.

 

[Agrove27]

i think alkaline detergents is code for 'lye' which works by the process of alkaline ester hydrolysis

 

[lilredex]

My favorite is old gas, but used carefully. It cleans up all the grease. Save your old used solvents and let the junk settle, it can be used over and over. Make a basket like shown and use your pressure washer (or car wash) to finish them off, if they need it.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I like like the atf just because relatively nontoxic, cheap and it is loaded with detergent. Takes a little longer but does the job.

 

[Marctrees]

WTH ... Simple Green, Purple Power, Citrus whateverthehell...

Just plain Kerosene diesel fuel,in a covered safe container.

Worked for Grandpa, works for me.

WTF SDS. I spent 3 years when I was 16 working in Trycchlor 1,1,1, up to my armpits cleaning cast rubber off of printer shafts to reclaim them for re casting...,, now 61, no Cancer... yet anyway.

Snowflakes use Simple Green, or maybe some Herbal Preperation.

Actually, I use Gasoline.. carefully.

Marc

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Gas or diesel works good

 

[Marctrees]

Diesel/ or safely Gasoline soak a few days, " parts brush" or whatever is needed to wash of ALL crevices, maybe Brake cleaner Pressure spray for hiding corners, .. Diesel rinse, dry on rack/ towel overnight, ... / towel, wipe off hanging drips if any, , store for use.

Marc

 

[Marctrees]

Safely store dirty Diesel/ Gas for future similar use.... dirt will settle... totally re usable for "dirty" purposes.

Marc

 

[Gasgano]

Thanks for y'all input. I hope this stirred up some good conversation. I'll go with my tried and true method of diesel soak.
I know this is another horse thats beat but as for oiling to prevent rust; what is y'alls take on ballistol?

 

[d42jeep]

WTH ... Simple Green, Purple Power, Citrus whateverthehell...

Just plain Kerosene diesel fuel,in a covered safe container.

Worked for Grandpa, works for me.

WTF SDS. I spent 3 years when I was 16 working in Trycchlor 1,1,1, up to my armpits cleaning cast rubber off of printer shafts to reclaim them for re casting...,, now 61, no Cancer... yet anyway.

Snowflakes use Simple Green, or maybe some Herbal Preperation.

Actually, I use Gasoline.. carefully.


Marc

Is Snowflakes a disrespectful term? Just wondering. I’ve heard that Simple Green isn’t flammable.
-Don

 

[shanny19]

My father in law uses Snowflakes as a derogatory term, not sure what the origin is.

 

[d42jeep]

It seems odd that a poster on this thread would take exception to a tool soaking method that two other GJ members have had success with and took the time to participate and let others in on their experience while at the same time suggesting a rather dangerous method using perhaps one of the most flammable liquids available. Just sayin’.
-Don

 

[rlitman]

My father in law uses Snowflakes as a derogatory term, not sure what the origin is.

Getting off topic here, but it refers to a person who feels that everyone is special and unique, just like no two snowflakes, in that no two are alike.

 

[MrSurly]

Getting off topic here, but it refers to a person who feels that everyone is special and unique, just like no two snowflakes, in that no two are alike.

Staying off topic, I have to say that my understanding if the current political-social media appropriation of the term 'snowflake' has *zero* to do with individuality and *EVERYTHING* to do with fragility. An actual snowflake is the absolute epitome of delicate. It is very difficult to avoid destroying one of them as even the slightest touch and ****! it's gone. That is what I understand the current political use of the term implies, that the person so named is a total wuss, destroyed or at least *offended* by any divergent or non-conformist view.

 

[MrSurly]

Thanks for y'all input. I hope this stirred up some good conversation. I'll go with my tried and true method of diesel soak.
I know this is another horse thats beat but as for oiling to prevent rust; what is y'alls take on ballistol?

Back on topic: Be aware that while it's great for all the sockets and other metallic bits, diesel can attack and destroy certain plastics.
I recall from around the early eighties, my Snap-On truck guy was unamused by the fact that I had diesel in my parts washer and he had to replace *many* Snap-On screwdriver handles. The damage would look like a bunch of hairline cracks at first, eventually swelling and splitting.

 

[Marctrees]

I'm just saying... being petroleum based products.. Gasoline, and other actual "Solvents" cut grease faster w less effort.

I am not a Chemist, but that's been my experience.

I apologize for offending any, including Snowflakes.



So, the above will attack grease faster, but ALSO many plastics, rubbers, etc.

I was talking about use strictly on all metal pieces.

Marc

 

[LNKMK8]

Coleman camp fuel works pretty well also (mostly naphta); little to no odor and pretty effective

 

[Farmer J.]

Staying off topic, I have to say that my understanding if the current political-social media appropriation of the term 'snowflake' has *zero* to do with individuality and *EVERYTHING* to do with fragility. An actual snowflake is the absolute epitome of delicate. It is very difficult to avoid destroying one of them as even the slightest touch and ****! it's gone. That is what I understand the current political use of the term implies, that the person so named is a total wuss, destroyed or at least *offended* by any divergent or non-conformist view.

A friend of mine reckons that "they drift around, then melt when put under pressure"
Oh, and I clean greasy parts by dumping them in a can of diesel for a while. Use old diesel from fuel filters. Wear disposable gloves, eye protection and overalls working in a well ventilated barn. When the worst of the gunk is off I wash in the parts washer with proper fluid and the fluid lasts longer with less contamination. Finish off with brake cleaner.

 

[ProGun3400]

I've used many of the methods mentioned, including Safety Clean's solvent to clean tools for 40+ years. I use simple green plenty at home to clean a variety of things, including gun parts. I've learned to wear rubber gloves to protect the hands, not because I'm a snowflake (not even close) but because all the products listed dry out my hands to the point of cracking/bleeding knuckles, especially in winter. If set on using the ATF or Kerosene, why not try an ATF/Kerosene mixture....

 

[Gasgano]

Thanks for the input, all. I went ahead and used diesel. Worked like a charm. Like i mentioned prior, ive used diesel to clean plenty of times before but never used it on "pretty" chrome plated tools to soak long periods of time.

 

[ProGun3400]

Awesome. Now post some pictures, we like pictures......

 

[BFBOB]

Thanks for the input, all. I went ahead and used diesel. Worked like a charm. Like i mentioned prior, ive used diesel to clean plenty of times before but never used it on "pretty" chrome plated tools to soak long periods of time.

 

[Gasgano]

Awesome. Now post some pictures, we like pictures......

Sorry for the delay, needed time to soak, clean,and of course take pics.
Soaked in a few separate batches. Scrubbed with nylon, wire brush and steel wool to get grease and rust off. Hosed down with brake cleaner to get the diesel off then oiled and rubbed down with Ballistol to prevent rusting in my local high humidity.

Lets see if this album works...
<blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/B36TygA"><a href="//imgur.com/B36TygA">Grandfathers Tools - Cleaned and Oiled</a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm sure y'all have seen most of these countless times. If you see any that you want better pictures of or some information on please let me know.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Looks good!

 

[driftpin]

You got some good results w/the diesel.

I got a toolbox filled with a variety of different sockets, wrenches, chisels, taps, screwdrivers, and other steel items. It apparently was also a receptacle for water at some point, as the bottom of the box was coated with orange-looking sediment, and all the tools were rusty. It appears someone cleaned-out a shed or something, saw the toolbox was filled with water, emptied the water from the toolbox, and discarded the box for bulk pickup. They were greasy and rusty.

I used a gallon of cleaning vinegar in a 5 gal. bucket, so all the tools were submerged, and left them in there for a couple of days. After that I gave them a good rinse, and used a wire wheel to buff some of them. I shot them w/PB Blaster and put them in a clean toolbox. I had pictures of the dirty/cleaned tools in another thread.

The tools which were already pitted cleaned-up well, under the circumstances. Everything emerged much-cleaner than when they were submerged. The surface of the vinegar got big dirty black and orange bubbles on it. After I removed the tools, I drew-off the vinegar and rinsed-out the sediment from the bucket.

For an example of vinegar rust removal, see post #24: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=377051&highlight=vinegar&page=2

 

[fartymarty]

OK, self portrait of sorts, hangin' with my peeps.:

I'm the pretty one in the middle just above center.

--------------------------------------------

I spent 3 years when I was 16....

I know how you feel, I spent a year in Kansas one day.

----------------
OK, I now return you to relevant posts. Sorry.