A hello, and how do you clean your tools?

[funkyfullwidth]

Well, as a formal introduction. My name's Bob, living in mass and i've been working as a mechanic for a couple of years now. I went through the Ford ASSET program through the local community college. I started out as entry level with a good collection of craftsman tools and a medium sized craftsman box. After I graduated I made use of the student discount and bought a Classic 78 box in the electric green flavor as well as all the basic hand tools, multimeters and gauges. I worked in a dealership while i was schooling, then kind of freelanced until i landed my current gig as a mechanic for a construction company. So I work on anything from weed wackers to bull dozers on a daily basis.

For a long time I used brake clean on my tools, but since i've bought all snap on tools i've leaned towards a good squirtz of WD-40 and a rag so i don't take off that snap on name and risk not getting warranty. For older, dirtier tools i've leaned towards a 3M scuff pad and some wd not going too crazy of course. What do you guys use to clean tools off? Does anyone periodically take apart ratchets and grease them?

[snapmom]

I take rats apart and clean them, use machine oil.
On old tools, it just depends on the needs. All kinds of cleaning methods, just dont try to make them look new.

[gasnutte]

WD and 0000 steel wool on really dirty or rusty tools this is for mostly garage sale or flea market finds, fine steel wool wont
scratch wipe them off and leave some oil on the tool.

[JoshuaG]

Hi Bob, I went through the ASSET program myself.

For cleaning tools, I just use a clean rag and elbow grease. This works for all chromed tools. For soft-handled and plastic tool handles and whatnot, I like to use a can of Acry-Solv, made by Crest. It is typically found in auto body shops. A dealership I used to work at had a bodyshop too, so us mechanics got access to bodyshop chemicals too. Some of the stuff those dust boys use is darned handy!

[mitchell172]

I use armor all and a microfiber towel. Works like a charm for me no matter what the tool.

[JeremyManning]

fluidfilm

[HLAV1]

Chrome's pretty easy, most works but on black impact stuff I use Royal Purple Maxfilm

[Hogums]

Just plain old mineral spirits works great for me. It doesn't harm the finish and keeps a fine sheen of protective oil on the surface that is not slippery. On things like seal installers and the like it is always mineral spirits.

[funkyfullwidth]

you use mineral spirits work on the soft handled stuff and painted things, not just chrome?

[Hogums]

Yes. Some manufacturers such as Kent Moore always recommended the use of mineral spirits especially on plastic seal installers. Never had any troubles. Some solvents can cause deterioration or warping.