Gooey sticky rubber on tools

[Sumboodie]

Before I put tools away, I generally wipe them down, at least the stuff that got dirty in use. I'm not getting crazy with "polishing" anything, but it's nice to be able to grab something the next time and not have grease or oil from the last project all over.


I've been using mineral spirits aka Stoddard solvent for years, it's what I have in my parts washer, so I just fill a sprayer from it, put a little on a rag and get to wiping.

For some reason this week I found the rubber on an IR thermometer and a Dremel I've had for 20+ years has turned sort of gooey/sticky.

I don't know why they were fine for years, and just recently this happened, nothing has changed with how they are stored.

Think it's the mineral spirits, or just age?

 

[Sumboodie]

Photo

 

[The Cobbler]

sounds like the polymer is breaking down.
i had that happen to a set of wireless microphones . they are unusable now

 

[bas157]

I've had this happen to a bunch of things, some cheap china **** (like flashlights), but also better stuff like an Altec Lansing clock radio and a decent pair of binoculars. No idea how to prevent it, but wish I did.

 

[CoogarXR]

Yeah, it just happens to certain plastic coatings.

I've successfully buffed it off with Goof Off followed by buffing with WD40. It's a lot of work, but its doable.

 

[mikedodge]

It could well be the mineral spirits caused it and had an effect on one of the chemicals in it especially if it happened shortly after.

 

[cody1325]

I had it happen with a Logitech G502 HERO--it literally crumbled off. I suspect it was because of hand sanitizer and other such things. It was partly why the replacement was a Razer without rubber inserts.

 

[PelicanPines]

I've attacked it with Goof Off and such... I have multiple grades of Goof Off... one is medical grade for the human body... I don't remember which one I used. BUT I hate hate hate that gloppppy coating on some of my plastic things.

It can be cured... do not believe it was caused by using any chemicals... but not sure if it speeds the glop factor.