Craftsman tool handle deterioration and fix

[lbperry]

I've got several Craftsman tools with plastic? handles that have deteriorated with a white fuzzy coating. How do I remove it and prevent it from recurring?
I've done searches here and found extensive discussions about the materials used by different manufacturers for tool handles. That would seem to relate to the problem I'm seeing but they primarily talk about the stink that certain tool handles seem to put off. I've experienced that to but figured that was something I just had to live with.
Does anybody have a fix for removing and preventing the white fuzz? Or is it best to just can the offending tools?
Thanks for suggestions.

 

[kd3pc]

like the stink, you may have to live with this, or use the tools more often. The white stuff is just further deterioration of the plastics used. Craftsman, Xcelite and many other makers all suffer the same fate, some seem to be more inclined - others not as much. I have scrubbed some of mine over the years and that works for a while.

Let's see what others say.

 

[Stelzer]

They can be sanded, cut & buffed just like autobody surfaces. Buffing wheel makes it much easier

 

[Stelzer]

If they are truly acetate, you can first give them a quick soak in acetone, followed by a cut of either steel wool or scotchbrite pads.

 

[Stelzer]

My Dad was a lifelong mechanic and my step mom finally got around to giving me one of his boxes that's been sitting in the garage since 2011. Very gratifying to restore old stuff and give it new life. I can't help but think my pop is smiling down on me the entire time too.

 

[lbperry]

Think I'll try the acetone; followed by steel wool and buff.
Thanks for the info and suggestions. I appreciate it.

 

[RTM]

I coat mine in shellac, keeps the smell down. I don't have any with the white fuzz, just stench

 

[WWheeler]

Sand them from medium and work your way to fine grit then use a plastic polish (ex: meguire's PlastX)

 

[Al Borland]

clean them and dip them in clear lacquer or urethane.

 

[paulsomlo]

Think I'll try the acetone; followed by steel wool and buff.
Thanks for the info and suggestions. I appreciate it.

Leave them in the acetone overnight - no more handle problem; no handle, no problem.

Be careful with the acetone, it'll melt those handles in no time.

 

[WWheeler]

Yeah I wouldn't try acetone after watching him try it in this vid...

Are your Craftsman handles as bad as this one?

 

[unslow1]

There were a couple of screwdrivers that looked like this in the stuff I inherited. I just thought they had paint overspray on them.