Cleaning old Tools

[GarageDan]

I've inherited some old craftsman screwdrivers that I would like to clean up, but don't know how. They're good screwdrivers and were my granddad's, so they're worth the effort to me. But, granddad's tools were just tools and and along as they handle and tip worked he wasn't worried with looks. On the other hand, I've always liked to clean my tools up before putting them back. So...any suggestions on how to clean years of paint and grime off the plastic handles?

 

[Hammer1963]

Apply a good coat of a creme hand cleaner or take the plunge and just put them in the hand cleaner can. I'd leave them in there for quite a long spell. Give it a chance to penetrate. It will definitely help out.

 

[fatfillup]

Grime will come off with a spray on degreaser then a quick scrub with a stiff brush under hot water. Brake Clean will work but it may go after the plastic handle. Paint is a different animal though. If its latex, a hot water pressure washer will work great, if its oil base you may try lacquer thinner. If you have a soft wire wheel on your bench grinder, it will remove the paint but you need a very light touch to not mar the plastic handle. If the paint is on the metal, the wire wheel will make short work of it.

 

[GarageDan]

Apply a good coat of a creme hand cleaner or take the plunge and just put them in the hand cleaner can. I'd leave them in there for quite a long spell. Give it a chance to penetrate. It will definitely help out.

Thanks Hammer. May I ask, what do you mean by creame hand cleaner exactly?

 

[rusty65]

I think he means stuff like goop and hand cleaners like that.

 

[Outlawmws]

For both paint and grime I'd start with Simple Green. I've cleaned "Dead" paint brushes with the stuff (needed to soak) but it got the paint off almost completely, even deep inside the bristles. I'd start with a half hour soak, and go longer if needed. Stiff Nylon brush to get the remainder off, might need a fingernail or toothpick on crevasses.

 

[mrjaw14]

I use some carb or brake cleaner and a scotch brite pad, tooth brush, or wire brush depending on the material I'm cleaning. Some simple green on things that can't take the brake cleaner.

I got a bunch of my grandfather's tools a few months ago and spent two days cleaning it all.

 

[Hammer1963]

Goop or Permatex standard White cream hand cleaner. This won't harm the plastic that the handles are made of.

 

[GarageDan]

Thanks for the help guys. Soaking in simple green made a big difference. I chose that method because I had it on hand.

 

[Farmall450]

Thanks for the help guys. Soaking in simple green made a big difference. I chose that method because I had it on hand.

I've heard you can use it for everything. Guess we can add tool cleanup too.

 

[The Copilot]

I've had good success in removing latex paint from tools using plain old household ammonia on a q-tip. Oil based paints are another thing, but latex will generally sofen and come off with ammonia.