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.

 

[Sumboodie]

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.

10+ years

 

[kbuhagiar]

10+ years

I don't think the mineral spirits had anything to do with it.

I've had this same thing happen to me with several diverse items - tools, small appliances, even the steering wheel on my 1997 S10 truck.
It's nasty and disgusting and it renders the item practically useless. I installed a nice leather steering wheel cover on the S10 which remedied that situation, but there's not much you can do with the other stuff.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I think it't both age related and what it's been exposed to over the years.... it's like that grey mange that attacks the steering wheel and shifter on the car, the "soft grip" handles on the tools, and armrests on office chairs. I kinda wonder if it's not the oils/acids in your skin that trigger it as well... I know some solvents seem to exacerbate the problem; I;ve also tried to remove it and it's the actual "rubberized coating" that has changed....

Maybe this is why they make those personal key keepers out of chrome rather than plastic....