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What do you use to clean your toolbox?

dragonle87

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Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
210
What do you guys use to clean your toolbox or tools?
Soap, windex, multi-purpose cleaner....
 
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Gary S

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Joined
Dec 27, 2008
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2,972
Location
Bismarck, ND
Clean a toolbox? Why? A toolbox should be full of greasy tools to keep them from rusting.
Wipe the box off with your used grease rag once in a while and it will last a lifetime.
 

UncleJoe

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Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
908
Location
New Bern NC
A good tip I picked up from someone on this forum. Windshield washer solution for your car. I have a one gallon bottle, you know it is cheap, I fill a spray bottle and keep it nearby. When I am straightening up at the end of the day a few quick squirts and a quick wipe down and I am done. If the dirt is too tuff I can use something stronger bit this works most of the time.
 

trbomax

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
2,556
Location
starvation lake,mi.
I use the amsoil waterless car wash on the outside of the boxes and welders.the dirt doesnt stick to it and it doesnt scratch when you wipe it down,looks like its been waxed when you are done. I use it on the quads,sleds and bench/counter tops as well.
 

ptschram

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Joined
Sep 8, 2006
Messages
2,573
Location
Churubusco, IN
I used to work with a guy who washed his toolbox with the detailer's spray bottle and then, waxed his box with Maguire's.

Every Friday afternoon, he'd grab a white detailer's towel and the bottle of pray stuff. After he'd wash it, he'd dry it off and wax it.

He had a 75th anniversary Snap-On box with the hutch, coat closet, tool cart, basically all the bells and whistles. he bought it brand new and was regularly offered almost as much as what he paid for it.

I luaghed at him until I saw just how nice his toolbox looked.
 

dodge610

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Joined
Aug 22, 2010
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5,467
Location
North Canton Ohio
I use windex to knock the dirt off them wax it with KLASSE wax when you spend 5 grand on a box you dont wanna buy another for quite a while.
 
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E.Marquez

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Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Messages
499
Location
Kempner Texas
I wipe it down with detail spray after I'm finished wipping my truck down.

THIS :thumbup:
Anytime I wipe the Mustang down, as I come back in the shop I wipe the Box down before putting the detail spray back on the shelf.

Or when cleaning up before a new customer comes over :evil:
 

GTVi

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Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
222
Location
Australia
General purpose degreaser is all I use (non petroleum based). I just keep it in a spray bottle, and rub down with a rag, then I apply a very light coat of WD40. Tools always stay nice and clean this way.
 

lowrider gmc

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Joined
Sep 4, 2010
Messages
50
Location
regina canada
clean with glass cleaner and soft rag.then polish with swirl and scratch remover,then do
chrome edges and wheels with mothers mag and aluminium polish,then put cover back on.looks like the day i bought it.
 

amorrow

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Joined
Sep 2, 2008
Messages
104
Location
St. Charles, IL
I just bought my first toolbox several months ago, but I've been using the same Maguire's and Zaino Z-6 spray detailers I use on my cars. I'll probably wax it once a year or so whatever car wax I have on hand. It may sound insane, but I enjoy admiring my toolbox about as much as the cars when they're sitting in the garage.
 

dude67

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Joined
Feb 25, 2010
Messages
119
My father in law gave me one of his old boxes. About 6 months after I ask why does it smell like someone barfed it it. He couldn't tell me why. It still smells. I thought about a basket of potpourri, but it would offset all the other great odors in my garage that I enjoy.
 

amorrow

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Joined
Sep 2, 2008
Messages
104
Location
St. Charles, IL
clean with glass cleaner and soft rag.then polish with swirl and scratch remover,then do
chrome edges and wheels with mothers mag and aluminium polish,then put cover back on.looks like the day i bought it.

Be careful using mag and aluminum polish on chrome, as it can eventually damage chrome/coated/other plated finishes. I've found that Mothers polish is fairly aggressive, and use polish specifically formulated for chrome instead.
 

JCQuick

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Joined
Nov 29, 2008
Messages
4,933
Location
Apopka Fla.
Well the tool box best not get dirty cause that means you put tools away dirty something I just cant handle. :shocking: dirty tools get wipe down with a rag with parts cleaner on it. If needed and tool box just windex or if grease spot rag with a little carb sray/brake clean :)
 

Ritter4.0

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Joined
Jan 8, 2011
Messages
362
Location
Maryland
My father in law gave me one of his old boxes. About 6 months after I ask why does it smell like someone barfed it it. He couldn't tell me why. It still smells. I thought about a basket of potpourri, but it would offset all the other great odors in my garage that I enjoy.

Check your screwdriver handles. The plastic in them degrades over time and smells.
 

ATC

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Joined
May 12, 2012
Messages
8,268
Location
VA
If a little dirt and grease will ruin a $5k+ toolbox....was it really worth the price?

Dad's old Matco box from the early '70's was never washed and waxed, and it's still working just fine.
 

NORTON'S SHOP

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Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
1,578
Location
Upper Midwest
My father in law gave me one of his old boxes. About 6 months after I ask why does it smell like someone barfed it it. He couldn't tell me why. It still smells. I thought about a basket of potpourri, but it would offset all the other great odors in my garage that I enjoy.
Did/does it have Craftsman screw drivers in it? I have some in my tool box and the handles emit an odor that could be described as barf. Maybe other similar plastic handled tools do the same.
 

johninct

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Joined
Dec 21, 2010
Messages
2,595
Box: Fantastic. I do not like my stainless steel box because it is hard to keep clean and you get streaks. Tools: Safety Kleen, Paint prep solution or gasoline.
 
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