How to clean old sockets
- Thread starter Erle385
- Start date
I just dump greasy old sockets in a bucket of kerosene for a couple of days. For rust, wire brush or dremel wire brush your sockets held in a padded vise.
For the ratchet, you might want to take it apart to inspect for wear/damage. Also, there could be some really old caked on grease or corrosion that needs to be scraped out.
Afterwards, don't forget to lube it with Permatex 81950.
For the ratchet, you might want to take it apart to inspect for wear/damage. Also, there could be some really old caked on grease or corrosion that needs to be scraped out.
Afterwards, don't forget to lube it with Permatex 81950.
Featherweight
Well-known member
Degrease them by what ever means.....If there is a oil film on them.....Clean them in a bucket of dawn soapy water....let them dry.....get a bench grinder and put a spiral sewn wheel on one side and a loose buff on the other......get some Brown Tripoli compound for the Spiral sewn wheel and some WHITE compound for the other.......polish with the brown first then polish wit the white....I guarantee you they look better than brand new when your done.....Oh!...to hold those lil sockets...use as extension so u dont hit your hands.....Good luck!
If it is grease you want removed, and have a pressure washer, make a basket with a handle. Like a juice tin, holes punched and a coat hanger handle.
Works well for other stuff like bolts as well. That is my fav. way of cleaning up tools after a greasy job is finished.
Works well for other stuff like bolts as well. That is my fav. way of cleaning up tools after a greasy job is finished.
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mcdtommy23
Well-known member
Clean in a parts washer/bucket of Simple Green, rinse, dry, soak in Evaporust!!! For a follow up, a couple runs in the Harbor Freight ultrasonic cleaner filled with Simple Green. They will come out REALLY nice!
bazzateer
Well-known member
Dishwasher - job done!
6768rogues
Banned
Lacquer thinner.
Uncle Dave
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 3, 2008
- Messages
- 59
Who wants to stand around and breathe laquer thinner fumes to clean a bunch of old sockets? Crikey, I hate the stuff. Dawn & hot water. This question is not really worth a post. Dave
hoopty388
Well-known member
REally? i was wondering the same thing but hadn't posted it yet. so thank you for asking the question
I have a question too. where do we get evaporust
trbomax
Well-known member
I'LL DO IT !!!brings back memories from the 60's.paintin that nitrcellulose in the old mans garage,drinkin beer and no exhaust fan!What a time!
Wipe heavy, thick grease off with a paper towel then put them straight in a HF ultrasonic cleaner with a mix of powerful degreaser, water, and white vinegar for any rust. You'll love the results.
Before:
After:
This was before I started adding vinegar, which is why you still see rust.
Before:
After:
This was before I started adding vinegar, which is why you still see rust.
Would you mind documenting this process and starting a thread about it? I'd like to take my ratchet cleaning to the next level and try something like this.
But as you see, he has received many different answers. So the question is not silly at all.
bazzateer
Well-known member
little d
Well-known member
i havent tryed it yet but, im hearing great things about streight lemon juice.
babzog
Well-known member
Last summer, I soaked all mine in minreral spirits for a few days, then scrubbed 'em out with an old toothbrush. A bit of wire brushing on a few pieces and some oil in the ratchets and all are operating nice now. Going back, I'd try to find some of the engine assembly lube that's talked about here a lot (red lube of love?) since the general consensus is that it's the bomb for ratchet lube.
Featherweight
Well-known member
"BULL" I can do a step by step with the process..... but what you did looks great...all you need now is that Hi-Pro Glow on them......
If you hit them with the buffer....them things will shine like a set brand of brand new CRAGER rims..
If you hit them with the buffer....them things will shine like a set brand of brand new CRAGER rims..
Could you provide a pic of your buffer, with the correct attachments for the job? I'm a buffing noob!
woody 73
Well-known member
Gee I was just going to tell him to put them in the dishwasher
All fun aside Bull gave you the right way to do it.
If you buy a dremel type tool from HF,be sure and buy some BRASS WIRE BRUSHES,(best for getting off any rust and not hurting any metal!
Best of luck.
rburke65
Well-known member
Well, you just posted!
Featherweight
Well-known member
My buffer is like this...........
The set up wheels you will need is like this.....
All can be purchased at http://www.tarheelparts.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?cart_id=2281708.21780
Featherweight
Well-known member
But if u have a random buffer already...goto sear/homedepot/lowes and get some buffing wheels from there...just remember you need a still wheel for cutting....and a really loose one for the shine....If anyone ever have any questions on polishing....feel free to PM me...ill walk you through it....
Featherweight: Question in the past i did the stainless trim on my 57 chev came out great but the tiny little specs of polish i guess landed on my car sitting about 15 ft away, didnt notice it until the next few days tiny spores of mold? Sprouts what ever... Grew every where that it landed what was that?