Proper cleaning procedure for vintage Snap-On tools?

[Restomod68]

Hey guys, I have inherited my father's vast tool collection when he passed away. He was a mechanic and had his own classic car restoration/Speed Shop business and 99% of his daily use Snap-On ratchets, sockets and wrenches are in impeccable condition. Some of his large wrenches however were in the bottom of a tool box tucked away when he was working on large machinery/equipment and as such are not in the shape of the others.

Any recommendation on how to clean them up without destroying the original finish?

 

[Graeme]

Bit beyond just cleaning. Original finish is already badly damaged.
If they were mine I'd probably use some 0000 wire wool and some light oil.

 

[four.cycle]

Several different threads on cleaning in the sticky index

 

[humber2]

I use a stainless steel wire brush before and after soaking in evaporust.

Some results will surprise you, others will prove a disappointment as once the plating is compromised it’s all over rover.

 

[Farmer J.]

It looks like the original chrome finish is destroyed by rust in some areas, it will feel horrible and rough and small pieces of chrome will flake off and get under your skin. But, if you polish them enough with whatever method they can eventually be shiny and smooth again but just may not have much chrome left.
On the worst ones I would be tempted to use an abrasive wet and dry paper and work down to increasingly fine grit to smooth them out and then polish. At least they would feel smooth and nice to use. But, some people feel offended at that suggestion.
Your wrenches, your choice. Experiment and see what suits you best. Sure your Dad would be pleased you are caring for his tools.

 

[dchawk81]

Blast them and pretend they're industrial finish.

 

[Farmer J.]

once the plating is compromised it’s all over rover.

They still turn nuts just as well even with no plating.
I hope so anyway, as I had a rusty set of large size wrenches, I rubbed all the flaky chrome from them and sent them to down under to my son. He says rust is not much of a problem in the Maniototo.

 

[dchawk81]

They still turn nuts just as well even with no plating.
I hope so anyway, as I had a rusty set of large size wrenches, I rubbed all the flaky chrome from them and sent them to down under to my son. He says rust is not much of a problem in the Maniototo.

Indeed. I prefer the black industrials anyway. I'm not a polisher or a shower.

 

[Tostal]

Flaky chrome = nasty, dangerous stuff. One cut from this stuff can sure make you regret not stripping it off.

I don't know location of the OP, but I wonder what it might cost to have the damaged wrenches chemically stripped, re-polished and re-chromed - compared to the cost of replacing them with new Snap-On ones? This way, OP would then have all his father's tools in excellent condition. Just a thought. (from someone who can be a bit sentimental about tools that I've inherited).

T~

 

[d42jeep]

It’s difficult for me to throw Snap-on wrenches away. If I get one in real bad condition, I power wire wheel the areas of flaking chrome. I then soak it in evaporust overnight. After cleaning off the black rust residue I use my 3M 220 rotary wheel to shine up the areas missing chrome.
-Don

 

[Restomod68]

Appreciate the input everyone, I'll clean them up and tuck them away (albeit better this time).

 

[dchawk81]

Appreciate the input everyone, I'll clean them up and tuck them away (albeit better this time).

Be sure to post pics. A lot of us are too old to get excited about the opposite *** anymore.

 

[Restomod68]

Be sure to post pics. A lot of us are too old to get excited about the opposite *** anymore.

Will Do

 

[BigTexasYardSale]

I use unitized abrasive wheels in a fine grit to great success. They will polish the chrome and remove the rust, and polish any rough edges where the chrome is peeling. Keep in mind that once the rust is gone what you have is raw steel, so either keep it oiled or keep it waxed or in a short time you will find yourself back where you started.

 

[dchawk81]

Will Do

I speak as a representative, not a member.