best way to clean your tools?

[shockwave]

I am looking for a good way to clean my tools more of screwdrivers hammers scrapers and ratchets everytime i use brake cleaner it cleans good but also takes off manufacturers marking aswell as a brownish tint on some of my tools has anyone had this same issue before

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I soak all metals in WD40... I clean plastics with Zep green all purpose cleaner (their version of Simple Green) but I will take some lettering off over time. So for "dedicates" I clean with Turtle Wax F21 (similar to ArmorAll)

My **** looks brand new and I use them everyday.

 

[OHMS LAW]

While i lather up with orange cleaner I sometimes just put a little on there if its caked on gunk. If just oil a quick wipe and keep moving.

 

[ClrkLndeKmt'su]

I tend to use a clean rag, spray with kroil, wipe, call it a day.

I don't keep the cleanest tools because I'm over the road, mainly just try to fight rust and keep the most crud off as possible.

 

[ATC]

I just wipe them off with a dry rag.

 

[toolaholic]

I wipe them off w/ these: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071M6AMW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[OHMS LAW]

Shop towels are free.

Eta: not free free, but free to use

 

[fflintstone]

I get a couple vestal virgins to rub them on their nether regions.

 

[sberry]

there is an easy way around this for the most part and i got to train the semi skilled on this deliberately. we got 6 paper towel holders and trash cans, its a cant miss. i wipe a gob of grease up BEFORE i jamb a socket or wrench on it and if that fails i wipe it immediately,, before i even set it down.
i can wash which helps but still maintain this habit. i can reman a diesel with same pants and shirt for a week and never know it. its not a law you got to smear it everywhere, i have actually fired people for this. guys that might have been acceptable otherwise but were such a mess that it was a huge disruption, cant be bothered to put top back on can, yes stupid i realize **** happens but if you would have put it away this morning when done with it and wound up the hoses we wouldn't have had to clean up 125 dollars in paint,,, and to top it off with,,, if it was me i would let it dry kind of reasoning just after being an idiot.
thru grease
i have dust bunnies but i still got to point this out it seems, don't have to drag hose thru grease, put down cardboard before scraping etc, so easy you would think.

 

[sberry]

yes,,, dry rag,,, ha

 

[blackz26]

Shop towels are free.

Eta: not free free, but free to use

+1 clean them at the end of a job, no worried shout caked on gunk. Unless it's bought used. Or whenever the towel don't get it all, a pick

 

[toddacimer]

I keep a spray bottle with a little bit of dish soap mixed with water. Takes off most grease and dirt. Spray tools or a rag and wipe the tools off.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

WD40 is a much better cleaner than it is a rust penetrant .. must be all of the alcohol

 

[blacK20]

I just wipe dry with a rag. It's going to be dirty again the next day I use it.

 

[RCP]

My shop manager told me to he soaks them overnight in diesel

 

[celticbhoy]

Although I think soaking overnight in diesel is overkill, it really does work. I clean mine with a bit of ATF. Works like a charm.

 

[fatfillup]

Depends on the tool, but my oft used method is a hot water pressure washer,,,,,,,course i sell them.

My favorite method is a aqueous parts washer, aka, a dish washer for greasy stuff. I don't own one now, sold the few I had, but will come up with one sooner or later. The last one I had, I owned for several years and rarely used it, so I sold it. One year later, I'm in the used tool business and wish I had one. I will find one sooner or later.

 

[m_angell]

I usually just use a washcloth and some soap every night when I take my shower...


Seriously though you are supposed to clean your tools? A quick wipe of a rag and into the box it goes.

 

[Gregg33]

For steel/ chrome tools I use WD40 and a rag or paper towel. Plastic or wood handles I usually just buff with a clean rag. Anything rubber (like mallets, soft handle screwdrivers or plier handles) I use silicone spray on a rag and try to avoid painted lettering.

Used tools that I buy, some brake clean and a small brush if necessary. As others stated if you clean your tools regularly, it's a pretty quick process, few seconds/ tool.

 

[ssentt]

Dry rag then a little wd sometimes.

 

[Steevo]

Dishwasher

 

[Responder]

Dishwasher

Like it!

Usually a rag with some wd40 and back in the box they go.