I’m not sure about the Channellock substance that the warning was issued for but you would probably be safe just to clean off the tool and re-oil them. However, there is another substance that we should be aware of and it is the dirty little secret of the tool industry. I don’t know the chemical or trade name but the generic name is SMO. I have inside knowledge that most tool companies use at least some amount of the SMO substance. I believe Snap On uses a highly concentrated version of SMO. Unlike rust inhibitors the SMO molecule forms a very strong bond to the nickel atom in the tool. Simply cleaning off the tool won’t remove the SMO. You would need to grind off the nickel to remove most it. The SMO additive is absorbed through the skin and can be inhaled if large quantities are present. It does not cause cancer but does cause a form of brain damage. Also, once exposed, your body will absorb SMO easier in the future due to a decreased tolerance. Like lead or mercury, SMO accumulates in the brain and over time can cause enough damage to produce chronic behavioral deficits. An unpublished study showed that SMO poisoning occurs at least 50 times more often in men than women. Similarly women are a far more sensitive to a SGO. There is no treatment for SMO related exposure and experiments with detoxification have resulted in depression and irritability. If you are unsure if you have been exposed to SMO take this test. 1) Assume you receive a ******* magazine and a tool catalog in the mail. Do you hesitate for even a second on which one to open first? 2) Does purchasing a $75 tool to perform a $50 repair seem reasonable? 3) Do you think about your tool collection? 4) Does stepping into a tool truck make you feel happy? 5) Finally, open your sock drawer, now open your favorite tool drawer. Do you feel differently? If you answered yes to any of these questions, or if you took time to read this crazy post you’re poisoned with the SMO (shinny metal object) additive. Don’t feel too bad, you have a lot of good company since SMO is also found in guns, cars, motorcycles, and a remote control anything. I have some SMO exposure but I have not suffered brain damage. I could quit collecting tools if I wanted. I think I hear the tool truck… I gotta go.
