How to clean a red plastic case?

[ron350]

How can you safely clean a red plastic Snap-on textured case without turning the plastic white?

I borrowed a Snap-on fuel pressure tester kit and would like to return it in a cleaner condition.

Mild soap and warm water will remove the dust but won’t remove the grease and grime spots.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

WD40 and a scrub brush?

 

[ScottsGT]

I use to wipe mine down with lacquer thinner on a shop rag. No fading on my end.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Westleys Blech White whitewall tire cleaner. Contains sodium metasilicate, also known as TSP substitute. I've used it on plastic cases and such before and it gets them very clean.

Charles

 

[Jure]

I use to wipe mine down with lacquer thinner on a shop rag. No fading on my end.

this

 

[stroked383z28]

I use WD40 to keep my red snap-on torque wrench cases clean.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

every single one of mine I used AWESOME and a nylon brush....they come out PERFECT!

 

[BJ42LX]

I cleaned up a pretty grimy SK green blow mold case with some LA's Totally Awesome and some soft bristle brushes including a toothbrush for the nooks and crannies.

I like the WD40 idea, maybe followed by some more mild soap.

Lacquer thinner seems harsh but if others have had good results the plastic must be impervious to it.

 

[Wamsutta]

WD-40 and a tooth brush will take the grease off no problem, but will leave the plastic looking shiny. If you want the case looking new, wash the WD-40 off with soap and water.

 

[HaroRider]

Any orange or citrus cleaner will work, simple green too perhaps

 

[ron350]

Thanks I will have to pick up some WD-40.

I have learned from past experiences not to use comet or mineral spirits.

 

[TheVintonZoo]

If you thought you could get away with it, I would be tempted to try the top rack of the dishwasher.

 

[ZRX61]

Lacquer thinner & then lemon pledge

 

[Heavymetalmechanic]

Thanks I will have to pick up some WD-40.

You don't have any WD40? Sacrilege!!!!


Edit: just checked your location, is WD40 commonly available there?

 

[Tink]

If you thought you could get away with it, I would be tempted to try the top rack of the dishwasher.

I'd be afraid the water may get too hot or if you didn't get it out before the drying cycle it may melt.

 

[kblazer87]

Dawn dish soap, hot water and green scotch brite pads. Works wonders on grease and oil.

 

[crewchief888]

i second dawn dish soap and hot water...
and a scrub brush if needed

 

[toplessHO]

alot of faded plastics can be restored using a torch(takes alot of finesse) or a heat gun
practice on something thats going to be junked anyway.But it needs to be clean and oil free before you start.

 

[wyo george]

I've cleaned plastic socket tool cases in the dishwasher before, worked fine on the ones I've tried.

 

[kctyphoon]

i use simple green or dawn dish soap and a nice small hand/fingernail scrub brush with hot water..

 

[rick carpenter]

I cleaned an older red Mitutoyo case with Armor All HD Degreaser and a toothbrush and an old scotchbrite pad. Definitely not the NOS look, but still pretty nice for an old case.

 

[orca8589]

I cleaned up an old Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver case with simple dish soap and water. Lathered it up with a lot of suds, got in with a 5/16" nylon bottle brush and a plastic pot scrubber pad. Rinsed it off with hot tap water, then spent a couple minutes with a small shop vac getting the water out of the nooks & crannies. Got the bulk of the dirt & **** out, but left enough faint smudges & marks to give it character.

It fits right in on the shelf with my old ratchet set cases.

~Chris

 

[Charlief]

Dawn soap or purple power. I've had good luck with both.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I cleaned up an old 3/8" Socket Service set once using Greased Lightning and a bristle brush...Honestly I think any of the various degreasers available out there will work.

I did encounter a problem once with my Jonsered (Husqvarna) Powerbox case once doing the same...washed out all the bar oil and sawdust build up in it...came out clean but in between the walls of the blow-molding filled with water and I couldnt get it all out no matter how I shook it. Ended up drilling a couple 1/8" drain holes to get the water out.

I just mention this cause if you run it in the dishwasher or submerge it. When I washed the Service Set Case I talk about I was sure to just spray the stuff on and wipe it off with a wet rag..no more submerging cases like that for me.

 

[honcho]

I recently cleaned two orange color blow-molded double walled Stihl accessory cases using a scrub brush and Dawn detergent. The plastic cleaned up nicely but I made a tactical mistake that I'm still trying to correct.

I submerged the cases in water without realizing that there were small holes left from the blow molding process that allowed water to enter the void between the walls of the cases. The lids have one hole on a corner on one side and the bottom have another hole on the opposite side. After shaking much of the water out I have been alternating the position of the boxes to drain out the remaining water. If it were summertime, I would do it outside to use the heat to help evaporate the moisture.

So, if your boxes are blow-molded, look for the little holes and plug them with a bit of wax/chewing gum/whatever if you plan on washing in a bucket of water.

 

[Waggoner72]

What about a red snap on case that has been spray painted black? Any way to get it off?

 

[orca8589]

What about a red snap on case that has been spray painted black? Any way to get it off?

Seems like years ago I heard an old timer say that a good way to get paint off of plastic is to rub it down repeatedly with brake fluid? (Not sure what type.) I could be totally off base here.

I've found through experience that Simple Green will soften and remove dried paint on some plastics, but it depends on the plastic surface and the type of paint. You can try it and see what you get.

~Chris

 

[Rickster]

I clean all my plastic with Bug & Tar Remover. Then a wipe-down with WD40 to give it that like-new look.

 

[pl_silverado]

Optimum Power Clean, diluted 3:1

Seriously best stuff ever.

 

[SantaAna12]

Might want to start with the dawn and a brush before abrasives or distillates depending on your goals.

 

[Regal2800]

hi, i use wd 40 and a towel cloth for cleaning those black snap on cases.

on a side note i just bought myself a snap on fuel pressure tester. Any chance you know what type of quick disconnect adapter they use? I have the gauge with a quick disconnect, but i need the name so i can buy the male version and i can't find which one it is.

 

[Outlawmws]

i use simple green or dawn dish soap and a nice small hand/fingernail scrub brush with hot water..

also any good stiff nylon brush works well; like the type with a "loop" handle on top (resembles an iron, sort of)

What about a red snap on case that has been spray painted black? Any way to get it off?

SG again; soak a paper towel or three with it and lay it on and let it set. If it needs to set a long time wrap that with plastic wrap so it won't evaporate.

 

[ron350]

The quick disconnect fitting is the same as a R12 / R22 Imperial 16-C quick connect fitting.

It sounds like all you need is the female end of the coupler may be some one here has one they will sell you.

You will probably have to change the o-rings to viton versions.

 

[Hiball]

Dawn dish soap, hot water and green scotch brite pads. Works wonders on grease and oil.

i second dawn dish soap and hot water...
and a scrub brush if needed

Yep.. Ive shined up my fair share of Snap on Cases with a little Dawn and some Hot water, They tend to sell better when they are Clean.

Word of Advice.. Some of the Bigger Cases have small Pin holes in them, Cover the Hole or the Water will get inside the Case and Drive you nuts while you wait for it to weep out.