How do you clean your tools?

[driver145]

Unfortunately I have a piece of crap car and it is really really dirty with oil and antifreeze and who knows what else. Also, unfortunately I have to use the same tools on my car as on my bike. So, I was just wondering if anyone had a simple way to get gunk off their tools. I am thinking just let it soak in WD40 over night??

 

[madmanmaigret]

sometimes if they are bad enough I will squirt them with brake dust cleaner and wipe... this will get off almost anything and dries instantly. Also you can use simple green, gunk engine brite, or a high concentration of dawn dish soap. If you stay on top of it and dont let the crap dry on there it is much easier in the long run.

 

[urbanj]

i throw them in the parts washer or i just use brake clean and a rag and blow gun.

 

[Tailgate]

sometimes if they are bad enough I will squirt them with brake dust cleaner and wipe... this will get off almost anything and dries instantly. Also you can use simple green, gunk engine brite, or a high concentration of dawn dish soap. If you stay on top of it and dont let the crap dry on there it is much easier in the long run.

I know I'm going to take fire for this but, I like gasoline to clean greasy/oily parts and tools. Man, it instantly takes it off with just a swipe or two with a part brush. I usually use a oil drain pan as a basin and don't use but maybe 10-20 ounces or so of gas. Of course, Safety-kleen is great...I may purchase one of those small size parts cleaner recycle jobs someday (Harbor Tools has 'em).

 

[reiobard]

i have used anything handy, I have used both brakleen, as well as WD-40, seems like both do a good job, wd40 lubricated the moving parts too which is nice.

 

[Fred]

I know I'm going to take fire for this

Yup, or more likely, catch fire.

Use Kerosene instead, it works just as well and has a much higher ignition temperature.

Of course, a parts washer is the best choice of all.

Fred

 

[Live4Snow]

I dont wash my tools.

 

[madmanmaigret]

Yup, or more likely, catch fire.

Use Kerosene instead, it works just as well and has a much higher ignition temperature.

Of course, a parts washer is the best choice of all.

Fred

LOL, thanks Fred I knew I forgot the kerosene :thumbup:

 

[madmanmaigret]

I dont wash my tools.

ah! dont say that! its like ........ nails on chalkboard!

 

[pedwards89]

Stick them in a domestic dish-washer, does the job a treat. Then spray with WD40 or a light oil.

Best not to tell wife, G/f, Mum whatever what you have done though

 

[CHEMIKER]

Gasoline or mineral spirits. They don't dry as fast as brakleen or acetone so a soaked rag can clean a lot more parts.

Never used WD-40 but it seems like it might leave a slippery residue...