Why does this smell?

[kunkernator]

This might seem like a very stupid question, but why does the rubber on this strap wrench smell so much?

I bought it yesterday from HD for $4 because I figured it would come in handy. Last night I opened it up and it just reeks! I left it on my table overnight and it still smells this morning. It smells as if the strap was soaked in gasoline. I am almost tempted to hold a match to it.

It is not a big deal, but I am kinda curious why it is so strong smelling.

 

[Bull]

Nasty, nasty chemicals used in its manufacture.

 

[kunkernator]

Nasty, nasty chemicals used in its manufacture.

But I have plenty of other tools made out of similar rubber, even made by Husky. Why do they choose to manufacture this in that manner?

 

[3xpendable]

Mine smel like tires

 

[hifi_hokie]

VOCs in the morning...

Smells like victory.

 

[kunkernator]

Mine smel like tires

I know what you mean, but this smells like straight gasoline.

 

[mncountrydoc]

I have had the same problem I threw mine away

 

[Skin]

keep breathing it in, you'll forget about it, and everything else.

 

[thesilverone]

chinese rubber stinks real bad!

 

[kunkernator]

chinese rubber stinks real bad!

Except it is Taiwan made....A little better maybe...

 

[greasemonkey44]

*reeks
but yeah cheap rubber off gasses and makes some horrendous odors. Most of HF smells like that especially the rubber tires

 

[kunkernator]

*reeks
but yeah cheap rubber off gasses and makes some horrendous odors. Most of HF smells like that especially the rubber tires

Spell check failed me again

 

[LG63]

The elastomer experts will probably chime in, but I believe sulpher is used in curing some types of rubber. Hard to say what goes into Chinese rubber.....not sure I want to know.

 

[trexdoink]

That's how China gets rid of its hazardous waste. Don't lick it...

 

[retrobuilder]

Could be a compression molded rubber EPDM or likely a cheaper injection molded PVC (i.e. vinyl) with plasticizers to make it rubbery + flexible.
The American "design engineer" probably just loosely spec'd "black rubber" to the asian supplier. Hopefully it will not crack or split later from stretching. time and exposure to light. I would not store it in a plastic toolbox as it could cause plastic melting at contact over time.

 

[MoToys]

Probaly the same factory the hf stuff comes from.

 

[Orangestang]

I have cheap rubber bungee cords that smell the same way,it takes forever for the smell to go away....

 

[kunkernator]

Could be a compression molded rubber EPDM or likely a cheaper injection molded PVC (i.e. vinyl) with plasticizers to make it rubbery + flexible.
The American "design engineer" probably just loosely spec'd "black rubber" to the asian supplier. Hopefully it will not crack or split later from stretching. time and exposure to light. I would not store it in a plastic toolbox as it could cause plastic melting at contact over time.

Nice! That says something.... All joking aside, are you serious it could melt in contact with other plastic? Thats awesome!

I go in to warranty it, "Uh, it just kinda melted."

 

[JASTECH]

VOC's lead to cancer, I would return it to Home Cheapo and make sur Customer Service types the reason in "Comments". They need to learn more lesoons. I did notice some tool box's and such that were made in China and low quality are now made in Isareal and better quality. Sorry, but had that in my head.

 

[Flatintoone]

Nice! That says something.... All joking aside, are you serious it could melt in contact with other plastic? Thats awesome!

I go in to warranty it, "Uh, it just kinda melted."

I'm not familiar with this particular material, but I've seen many old model car kits where a (flexible vinyl) tire was touching a piece of the kit (polystyrene) and burned/melted a hole/mark in it.

 

[srmofo]

Nice! That says something.... All joking aside, are you serious it could melt in contact with other plastic? Thats awesome!

I go in to warranty it, "Uh, it just kinda melted."

silicon will do the same thing if it touches anything else made of silicon. dont ask me how I know this

 

[kunkernator]

VOC's lead to cancer, I would return it to Home Cheapo and make sur Customer Service types the reason in "Comments". They need to learn more lesoons. I did notice some tool box's and such that were made in China and low quality are now made in Isareal and better quality. Sorry, but had that in my head.

It is not worth my time to drive 15 mins to return it. I basically got it for free with my $50 off $100 coupon.

I don't think I have ever seen something made in Israel.....

 

[kunkernator]

silicon will do the same thing if it touches anything else made of silicon. dont ask me how I know this

Guess what I went out to get in my garage.

 

[03protege]

VOC's lead to cancer.

In California or in the real world too?

 

[retrobuilder]

...some plasticized vinyls can affect plastics like styrene, ABS, Lexan. The plasticizer chemical leeches out like a solvent. Worst case is with really soft rubbery vinyls. I have seen plasticized fishing bait "jelly worms" melt almost through a tackle box plus had to troubleshoot rubber seals in contact with crazing and cracks to thin styrene test tubes. "just don't eat it"

 

[dirtydogintex]

chinese rubber stinks real bad!

.... saying nothing about the countryside, eh?

[political comment]
Suppose the US will be reminded/have the pleasure for the first time if one of the pol parties carries through w/their threat of environmental law repeals?
Ain't free enterprize grand.... at least for the top 1%?

They must be planning to import their drinking water and breathing air....
[/political comment]

 

[uniballer]

Petroleum is used in the process of making all rubber and plastics(well not all, but most).

 

[Squankum]

I don't think I have ever seen something made in Israel.....

Me neither! Then I bought a plastic Stanley tool caddy at Ace Hardware last month. What the?

 

[RCStocker]

Every time I go in Harbor Freight the smell hits me the moment I enter the door. It bothers my asthma so bad that I never stay long. I have not spent a penny in there the last 20 times I have been in there.

The Chinese will use anything to make a product and who knows what they use.
Old real rubber smells so I am not supprised.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

I smell things in the store, if it's offensive I don't buy it. Don't want it smelling up my garage or toolbox.