Quick noob question about tools

"Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'" (otto-the-croatian)
08/05/2014 at 08:45 • Filed to: tools, noobs

With what do you clean metal tools? Specifically, sockets?

I just bought a used set of sockets for 60 croatian kunas, which is about 10 dollars.
I've never had a socket wrench, and I'm pretty excited, and I want to clean it well.
Since I've never actually cleaned my tools, I'm wondering what to use, afraid they'll go rusty if I do something wrong...

Thanks guys.

DISCUSSION (15)

505Turbeaux > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 08:46

if there is grime in the sockets I put them in my mini parts washer. if it is just on the outside I use a microfiber cloth and just wipe them. Oh and get yourself a better ratchet if you can, that style is good for about a month or if you think you are going to break something

Bandit > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 08:47

Generally with tools I just wipe them down with a cloth until they feel clean and then oil metal bits to prevent rust. Sockets you can just wash in a sink using degreaser and stuff. Just put a thin coat of oil on them afterwards. Not sure if you can clean the wrench that way though since it has moving parts.

Mattbob > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 08:51

There is usually enough grease and oil left on my tools to stop rust. To clean them, I just wipe with a rag. If you wipe down with a slightly oily rag, I guess you could accomplish both jobs at once.

Vic-in-Norway > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 09:02

You can drop them in a bucket of standard automotive antifreeze, the green stuff, and let them soak as many days as you can stand. You can even use old used antifreeze if you don't want to spend the money on new stuff, it won't make much difference. The rust will just wipe off.

Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 09:05

Kinja'd!!!

Ah, this explains your first tool kit. Well done. Wear a helmet. Please.

I usually just grab some light tool oil (spray type or in the bottle) and wet a small area of a shop towel, then just wipe everything I used. It doesn't need a lot. Don't spray the sockets directly, just spray the towel.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > Drakkon- Most Glorious and Upright Person of Genius
08/05/2014 at 09:08

Sure. The trucks I got for 3-4 bucks, so it was a good deal. Thanks.

twochevrons > Mattbob
08/05/2014 at 09:10

This. It's like the "automatic" underbody rust protection on my Volvo. The fine mist of oil coming off the engine and turbo at speed keeps the rest of the body well-protected.

Just use them, get them dirty, and enjoy them. Wipe any significant gunk off them, but if they're just a bit oily, don't worry – it's actually good for them!

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 09:16

I occaionally wipe mine with a rag if they become too coated in grease to hold onto. Does that count?

MINI COOPER POWAH! > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 09:35

light coat of wd-40 and a rag has cleaned my tools for years

Mattbob > twochevrons
08/05/2014 at 09:42

My jeep does the same thing. I have purposely put off fixing a gasket, because the leak is just slow enough that it only give a bit of a coating and doesn't lose any appreciable amount of oil.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 10:18

I use a rag dampened with ATF. It does a great job of cleaning and prevents rust. Actually, I've tried lots of things for cleaning tools but found that ATF works best. While them down so that they are almost entirely dry when you are done, rust shouldn't be an issue unless you rarely use them and leave them in a damp/humid place. You could also try putting a desiccant in the case with the tools.

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
08/05/2014 at 11:41

Yes, actually it does. I've realised that they aren't as fragile as I thought.
I was asking this because I wanted to clean the sweat, blood and tears of the previous person that might have used them. I got many answers though

T5Killer > MINI COOPER POWAH!
08/05/2014 at 12:02

That is what I do too.

NaturallyAspirated > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 12:32

I use a paper towel dampened with brake cleaner. I understand the thoughts from folks who want to leave some oil on the tools to prevent corrosion, but I've never really had a problem with my tools rusting.

deekster_caddy > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan'
08/05/2014 at 15:01

Pretty much, keep them dry and they won't rust. Use silicone spray or WD-40 to lubricate if needed. Clean them if they get dirty. Dry them if they get wet.

Most ratchet heads can be disassembled (they are pretty simple inside). Sometimes on cheap ones they will disassemble themselves, so it's nice to know how they go back together. If you manage to get it apart, spray it down with WD-40 or Silicone spray to clean and lube before you reassemble.