Paint on Screwdriver Handles

[PFSard]

I bought some Proto Professional (yellow handles) and Xcelite (yellowish handles) screwdrivers at an Estate Sale. I believe they were used only to stir paint as the tips show no wear.

I assume the handles are acetate. Are there ways to remove paint from the handles without damaging the handles?

I found one thread with suggestions for hard handles. Simple Green seems to be very popular :

stripping paint off Snap On hard handles
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246590

Thanks
Paul

 

[KT_NorCal]

If it is latex paint, get some OilEater and mix 50/50 with water and soak them over night. It will take the paint, dirt grease right off. Use an old tooth brush to scrub before you remove and they should be bright and shiny. It doesn't mess with any oil based paint or baked on printing that I've found so far.

I've got a bunch soaking in the garage as we speak. Got them from my uncle's estate and he seemed to have used them for the same thing. First batch came out looking almost brand new. Does a great job with old socket sets as well.

http://oileater.com/

(note, this stuff will slightly etch aluminum I've found, so don't leave anything aluminum in there for days at a time)

Also, denatured alcohol will take off old latex as well, but doesn't seem to do it as quickly in my experience. Also ancient dried on stuff doesn't come off without some extra scrubbing...

No clue if it is oil based... maybe start with acetone and work your way up in solvent strength, but doubt it will all come off without some sort of damage.

good luck!

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I've been using evaporust for cleaning the metal, but I've realized that if you let the handles soak for 24 hours, then use a nylon brush on it, most of the handles come out clean... well, usually, unless its spray paint. Simple Green works great on spray paint.

 

[azhatchback]

Soak them in brake fluid.

 

[Scout Driver]

000 or 0000 steel wool. Be gentle.

Scott

 

[Screwtape]

Yeah, and lube the steel wool up with some WD or what have you.

Also, EasyOff oven cleaner works great for removing crappy paint and leaving the original finish behind, folks use it on old bicycles all the time.

 

[Davefr]

Are you 100% sure it's paint. Proto yellow screwdriver handles tend to turn white due to the chemistry of the handle composition. The white will rub off quite easily and you can test it with your fingernail.

I've found lots of these Proto screwdrivers at G-sales and they all seem to look like this so if it's white, don't assume it's paint on the handle.

 

[n8n]

If it is latex paint, simple hot water may lift it off.

 

[J.A.Varela]

That'll work

 

[PFSard]

Are you 100% sure it's paint. Proto yellow screwdriver handles tend to turn white due to the chemistry of the handle composition. The white will rub off quite easily and you can test it with your fingernail.

I've found lots of these Proto screwdrivers at G-sales and they all seem to look like this so if it's white, don't assume it's paint on the handle.

Dave : These screwdrivers look unused except for stirring paint. Paint on shafts came off readily with fine steel wool. The parts of the handle without paint are great.

Everyone : Thanks. As soon as I get time, I will try some of the suggestions. I figured others have dealt with this, so why risk altering the handles negatively. Always great ideas from the forum.

Paul

 

[Sirnick]

I have had good luck with using Dawn Power dissolver also sold as Dawn grill cleaner on painted plastic. It takes a little time and won't damage the plastic but it may remove the original paint if you are to aggressive.

http://www.dawn-dish.com/us/dawn/product/037000006329

 

[K-Dog]

Okay I read " Paint on ........................... screwdriver handles "
Kinda like paint on stripes.

I was quite curious about this thread.