MAC/Stanley Deadblow Hammers Sticky Handles

[tomshep]

I bought a number of deadblow hammers from MAC about 20-25 years ago. They were good as hammers but probably 10-15 years old the plastic handles starting cracking and also became sticky. I returned them to MAC for a full replacement and some of the new were MAC and others were labeled Stanley. Now, another 10 or so years later some have started doing the same thing. Anyone know what's going on? As a side question, do Snap On deadblow hammers ever do this? Thanks, Tom

 

[4xdog]

The polyurethane is self-destructing. Often called “hydrolysis” although it’s a little more complicated than just that. Irreversible and terminal.

 

[PCustoms]

I think this is probably been discussed here at least a couple of times..

 

[Russell_Reid]

Try cleaning it off with rubbing alcohol. I had that happen to a couple computer mouses (mice? meese?) and the alcohol made them usable again, for a while anyway.

 

[bonneyman]

Heck, I would try the heat shrink tubing idea. If you really like the hammer then put some heat shrink tubing over the crappy handle and keep on trucking. It'll keep your hand from sticking, and the adhesion might add to the integrity of the tubing.

 

[Steve_P]

As said, the plastic is breaking down. Yes, you can temporarily clean it off, but it will return.