Cleaning tools and toolbox

[jbertrand]

Looking for recommendations on cleaning up a toolbox and tools that have been used by an auto tech for the last 30 plus years.

I am not restoring the box so I will not be taking it apart. Just want the grease and oil off the drawer handles. Looking for either a wipe or spray bottle type of cleaning.

Thanks in advance

 

[Cahark]

I like to use WD-40 on a rag to wipe down metal tools. Cleans and protects.


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[buffalobill]

A gasoline soaked rag does wonders, beats anything in a spray can, and evaporates quickly as long as you don't slop it on. Use it with cheap paintbrushes to get into corners and cracks.

 

[JimNC]

I did a wipe with a WD40 soaked rag, followed by working with rubbing compound, followed by a coat of wax. Here is a little before and afterwards on the back of my box.

 

[Canus]

DON'T use gasoline. Too darn dangerous. Dawn dish washing detergent should remove any oil or grease on either the tools or box. A good coat of automotive wax on the box after cleanng will really make it look good.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Damn, what a difference. Looking good so far

 

[tym]

And old timer mechanic introduced me to Prep All (the clear liquid in the can, not the spray version). That stuff does an amazing job cutting nasty caked-on grease. For anything you're worried will flash rust, you'll want to follow with a coat of WD-40 or BLO.

 

[Wamsutta]

For straight dust and dirt I use windshield washer fluid.

For grease and grime I use a WD-40 type solvent.

 

[Empty Pockets]

For large surfaces, I've used WD-40, In enclosed areas, Dawn dish soap works pretty good.

For really heavy duty caked on grease, I will use starting fluid from the aerosol can. DO NOT use this stuff in confined areas or without adequate ventilation. The grease melts off like hot butter. BE VERY CAREFUL!!! this stuff is VERY FLAMMABLE

 

[JohnDeere1]

I did a wipe with a WD40 soaked rag, followed by working with rubbing compound, followed by a coat of wax. Here is a little before and afterwards on the back of my box.

That's exactly what I do or use degreaser then rubbing compound then wax works great.

 

[Bighead38]

Surprised no one has mentioned brake clean yet.

 

[Shipfittin]

For the rubber handles on screwdrivers and what not I use hand cleaner (Fast Orange, Gojo, etc.). Makes them look brand new.

 

[4 FN 27]

I learned about this stuff from the boys in NASCAR. SD-20...best all around cleaner I have come across. Takes anything but paint off...some older type paints do react a little so do a test spot first. I have used this on my Macsmizer Boxes for 10 years. Will even take off Carbon Brake Dust with out discoloring.

https://www.spartanchemical.com/products/product/652000/

I have tried the concentrate but I don't think it works as well as the aerosol cans.

 

[ChrisLS8]

You won't find a better one than LAs totally awesome in the yellow bottle at the dollar stores

 

[ryan20021982]

For tools I use Goof Off cleaner, you can get it in a gel or a liquid. Its the best I found for cleaning rubber screwdriver handles.

 

[D-Vice]

1$ a bottle at dollar tree. Called "Awesome"
Like the name implies...it's pretty awesome stuff.

 

[maintguy]

Who has time to clean

 

[85blazer]

I just did an old SK box that had serious greasy crud in all corners.
Hit it with simple green,used some brushes ,rinsed it out with the garden hose then WD-40.

 

[Tonyuk]

If its covered in oil or grease i use panel wipe then a bit of 3in1 to stop it rusting if needed.

 

[bsg1]

1$ a bottle at dollar tree. Called "Awesome"
Like the name implies...it's pretty awesome stuff.

AWESOME OXYGEN ORANGE is great stuff and you get 32 fl. oz. in plastic bottle with spray-handle for $1.00. I mentioned this product in another thread regarding tools/supplies/methods in socket cleaning.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Not for boxes, etc, but but i have read that for some tools, and parts an old crock-pot and 50/50 split of pinesol and water is supposed to be great. I just got an old crocpot, and wil be trying it out this weekend.

 

[bpjr]

Not for boxes, etc, but but i have read that for some tools, and parts an old crock-pot and 50/50 split of pinesol and water is supposed to be great. I just got an old crocpot, and wil be trying it out this weekend.

Straight antifreeze does a better job to remove ********* grime and parts don't rust if you leave the antifreeze on them. Cook overnight on low and its done. Antifreeze will NOT work without the heat...I tried it. I also use a drum tumbler and a vibratory tumbler with corn cob or walnut media to descale rust. Makes old rusted pliers, sockets, etc like new. Been using these methods with great success for nearly 30 yrs.

I clean old tool boxes with a common cleaner spray first, then wipe down with turps or mineral spirits. After drying I spray Pledge furniture wax everywhere. It goes in cracks and crannies.

 

[Jure]

Wd40

 

[buffalobill]

If you have worries about gas, diesel also works. Give it a day to evaporate though.

 

[henerylee]

At citrus cleaning supplies available affordable cleaning supplies you can choose from it. Visit: citrus-cleaning-supplies.co.uk

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Get a container of Tub O Towels. They literally take anything off. I get them at Walmart.

 

[Al Borland]

You won't find a better one than LAs totally awesome in the yellow bottle at the dollar stores

^^^This Stuff Right Here^^^

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Zep Industrial Degreaser (Works amazing on tough dirt too), Simple Green, WD-40/PB Blaster... Have all of those on hand... Not much that cant be cleaned with those or some combination of them. And when you're done cleaning, spray some WD-40 or PB Blaster on a rag and wipe all of your metal tools down. Not a thick coat, in fact you can wipe it really well to try to remove it all(You wont)... Best rust prevention ever and it lasts for ages too.

I'd personally avoid using gasoline or diesel unless its just a really tough job. Messy, stinks, major fire hazard, and probably a lot less healthy to come in contact with than most anything else mentioned here(should be using gloves anyways of course).

 

[ridervfr]

I am going to Ocala FL next week and going to be staying with my cousin who loves the Dollar Tree, I wana get some of that stuff!

 

[mizzoutrover]

watch a YouTube video of detailers cleaning an engine compartment. Degreaser in a spray bottle and agitate with a detailing brush then wipe the dirt and grease that it lifts up off with a paper towel. Safe and will not damage the surface