Tool Cleaning/Wipes

[chrismenke]

So what are folks using to clean their tools before they go back in the box?

I work exclusively with old things that arrive grimy, and I am getting grime on my tools before I can even get parts to the parts cleaner. I don't want this grime making its way back to my toolbox.

I have used the Loctite industrial hand wipes in the past, and these were pretty good, but sometimes would dry out before I finished a container. Also they're pricey.

So, before I order more of those, I'm keen to hear what others are doing.

 

[chrismenke]

Fixed the title.

 

[JDon99]

Before I put my tools away, I'll wipe down the chrome items with a rag and some WD40 or if it's a screwdriver, I'll use simple green or simiar if they are dirty.

 

[331CID]

For chrome, wipe down with a rag. Usually comfort grip stuff (snap on insinct screwdrivers, Irwin-vise grip comfort handle) I use whatever gritty hand cleaner I have available. At home I use permatex fast orange or ultra cherry. At work we have some knock off stuff but it works ok. For my snap on ct8810 (18v 1/2" impact) I use hand sanitizer. Cleans up the rubbery texture and the vinyl boot found on most impacts.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I use Tub Towels.

 

[85FourEyedGT]

simple green and microfiber

 

[chrismenke]

I use Tub Towels.

These guys?
http://www.tubotowels.com/


I totally get that Simple Green and WD 40 could do it...I'm trying to find something (less than $0.25 a wipe) which I can pull quickly and use until its saturated before tossing. May not be the most green alternative but it sure is simple!

 

[chrismenke]

For chrome, wipe down with a rag. Usually comfort grip stuff (snap on insinct screwdrivers, Irwin-vise grip comfort handle) I use whatever gritty hand cleaner I have available. At home I use permatex fast orange or ultra cherry. At work we have some knock off stuff but it works ok. For my snap on ct8810 (18v 1/2" impact) I use hand sanitizer. Cleans up the rubbery texture and the vinyl boot found on most impacts.

Yeah, I'm trying to get the chrome hard line fully clean and even a bit polished before I put it to bed. For comfort grips and the like, I use Lemon Gojo (non pumice). It will clean anything back to a newish look without abrading the grip handle/paint/etc.

When I'm not busting out the Lemon Gojo and paper towel (see above) I'd been using a wipe. Think that's the best blend of workflow and cleansing I've found so far.

 

[BreeStephany]

Awesome citrus based cleaner (can be found at many dollar stores in a spray bottle) is amazing for everything from light cleaning to degressing. I have found that a little wd40 (liquid, not aerosol), awesome and a little marvels mystery oil works wonder at cleaning and dressing plastics and rubber handles, etc. I try to avoid harsh solvents with plastics, as they will quickly degrade.

For chrome, I use Awesome for the oily finger prints and such. For sockets and such that have a ton of grease, I will wipe down or soak in trichlor depending on how dirty the tool is.

Once everything is pretty clean, I will wipe everything down with a microfiber cloth.