DennisH2014
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 29, 2014
- Messages
- 120
As a tool collector and enthusiast, I enjoy having my stuff looking clean and polished, so after a long time searching and trying out different methods for cleaning, I've developed my own and it works excellently for me so I would like to share it with you all!
Supplies:
-Calcium/Lime/Rust Remover (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Heavy-Duty Scouring Pads (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Plastic Bins x2 (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Colander (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Bucket
-Marvel Mystery Oil ($4/QT @ Walmart)
-Microfiber Cloths/Rags
-Toothbrush
-Paper Towels
-Gloves (Nitrile, Vinyl, Latex, etc...)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning & Preserving Chrome Tools....
Sockets & Wrenches (skip step 4, just rinse with hose)):
1. Wash of all excess dirt and grime with a hose, or by tumbling in the bucket with water, makes the whole process easier.
2. Dump the sockets into the bucket, add CLR Cleaner & Water in a (CLR 1:1 Water to CLR 1:4 Water ratio, depending on severity of rust), adding enough to thoroughly cover all tools.
3. Allow tools the time to soak and the CLR to work on the rust, at least a day, longer if you prefer (shouldn't damage the chrome); stirring occasionally with a scrub brush helps to clean the tools by physical means and keeps surfaces open to the CLR. For heavily rusted/grimed tools, after a short time of soaking, manually clean with a toothbrush for inside of sockets, and heavy duty scouring pad on the outsides of sockets & wrenches.
4. After soaking for some time, pour the contents out through the colander to separate out the sockets, and with a garden hose, rinse off the sockets while shaking colander to loosen stubborn grime. Thoroughly shake once finished to remove as much water as possible.
5. Pour tools into microfiber cloth-lined plastic bin and then dry as much as possible with the cloth. The drier the better, it may help to use a space heater and/or fan to help with this.
6. Once dry, pour a small amount of Marvel Mystery Oil (.5oz or so), into the other plastic bin and add the dried tools. Tumble them around until all sockets are covered with a slight film of oil.
7. Finally, you're almost done! Grab some paper towels and line the other bin with them, making sure the bin is dry first and then pour the greasy tools into it. Use the paper towels to wipe off the excess oil; DO NOT use a microfiber cloth for this.
That's all there really is to it, it's surprisingly simple, and cheap thanks to DollarTree! I hope at least a few people find this guide to be helpful, I'll try to take some pictures the next time I do this and add them here!
Supplies:
-Calcium/Lime/Rust Remover (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Heavy-Duty Scouring Pads (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Plastic Bins x2 (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Colander (Source: Dollar Tree)
-Bucket
-Marvel Mystery Oil ($4/QT @ Walmart)
-Microfiber Cloths/Rags
-Toothbrush
-Paper Towels
-Gloves (Nitrile, Vinyl, Latex, etc...)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning & Preserving Chrome Tools....
Sockets & Wrenches (skip step 4, just rinse with hose)):
1. Wash of all excess dirt and grime with a hose, or by tumbling in the bucket with water, makes the whole process easier.
2. Dump the sockets into the bucket, add CLR Cleaner & Water in a (CLR 1:1 Water to CLR 1:4 Water ratio, depending on severity of rust), adding enough to thoroughly cover all tools.
3. Allow tools the time to soak and the CLR to work on the rust, at least a day, longer if you prefer (shouldn't damage the chrome); stirring occasionally with a scrub brush helps to clean the tools by physical means and keeps surfaces open to the CLR. For heavily rusted/grimed tools, after a short time of soaking, manually clean with a toothbrush for inside of sockets, and heavy duty scouring pad on the outsides of sockets & wrenches.
4. After soaking for some time, pour the contents out through the colander to separate out the sockets, and with a garden hose, rinse off the sockets while shaking colander to loosen stubborn grime. Thoroughly shake once finished to remove as much water as possible.
5. Pour tools into microfiber cloth-lined plastic bin and then dry as much as possible with the cloth. The drier the better, it may help to use a space heater and/or fan to help with this.
6. Once dry, pour a small amount of Marvel Mystery Oil (.5oz or so), into the other plastic bin and add the dried tools. Tumble them around until all sockets are covered with a slight film of oil.
7. Finally, you're almost done! Grab some paper towels and line the other bin with them, making sure the bin is dry first and then pour the greasy tools into it. Use the paper towels to wipe off the excess oil; DO NOT use a microfiber cloth for this.
That's all there really is to it, it's surprisingly simple, and cheap thanks to DollarTree! I hope at least a few people find this guide to be helpful, I'll try to take some pictures the next time I do this and add them here!
