Socket set cleaning

[bds1984 1,466]

I acquired a large vintage Craftsman set of sockets (probably 200+ sockets) that is dirty and needs to be cleaned.  I've never let my tools get dirty for more than a few minutes at a time and some of these look like the grease and grime is as old as me.  What do all of you use to clean up old tools like that?  I have heard some people say soak them in white vinegar and others say Simple Green or Purple Power.  I really don't want to use a wire brush/wheel for this as I don't want to damage the finish.

[ebinmaine 70,852]

I'd think a degreaser would be a first step. 

Simple green. Purple power. Incredible Pink.

All great. 

 

[formariz 11,994]

One step and everything that does not belong on them will be gone. Lacquer Thinner.

[WHNJ701 4,165]

Just find a Sears store and exchange them all for new ones

[BOB ELLISON 2,981]

Mineral spirits let them soak and they will shine.

The fumes won't kill you. 

[953 nut 58,079]

I agree with Bob, unless you already have a lot of rust on them you don't want to use vinegar or water based products. Submerge them in Mineral Spirits for a few days and then use an old tooth brush to clean them up. 

[peter lena 9,096]

let the mineral spirts , or related solvent break down the crud , do not go at the socket finish with a rough or sharp edge , that will ruin the finish .the old tooth  brush  will do fine , penetrating oil also breaks down old dried lubricants . pete

[ebinmaine 70,852]

11 hours ago, jabelman said:

 find a Sears store

That's going to be a tough thing to do nowadays....

[Pullstart 64,694]

WD 40 or PB Blaster sprayed on would help too, then wipe off.  Maybe set up a “tumbler” bucket to spray the lube then bounce them around a bit to agitate them?  

[lynnmor 7,585]

Use gasoline, less that $3 per gallon.

[bds1984 1,466]

 

13 hours ago, jabelman said:

Just find a Sears store and exchange them all for new ones

 

Finding a Sears is getting harder by the day, but I do have a Sears 40 miles from me I am keeping the lights on.  The problem is that I don't want the new Chinese made replacements.  I have a few and they're fine, but I am a curmudgeon and love my USA made tools.

[WHNJ701 4,165]

Lowes had the new craftsman socket sets on special, and yes they really lost their quality.  I would say the new stuff is about the same as harbor freight junk

[bds1984 1,466]

1 hour ago, jabelman said:

Lowes had the new craftsman socket sets on special, and yes they really lost their quality.  I would say the new stuff is about the same as harbor freight junk

 

I cannot look at the SBD made Craftsman at all, it's not the same.  If I found myself buying new Craftsman from a Sears/Kmart, I'd look for ones that have the manufacturer/date code Z-AJ or Z-AH stamped on them.  Those are the higher end of the spectrum...

[tom2p 2,394]

4 hours ago, bds1984 said:

 

I cannot look at the SBD made Craftsman at all, it's not the same.  If I found myself buying new Craftsman from a Sears/Kmart, I'd look for ones that have the manufacturer/date code Z-AJ or Z-AH stamped on them.  Those are the higher end of the spectrum...

fortunately the older better quality / made in USA craftsman stuff is fairly easily found ... garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, craigs list, etc 

 

I've been able to find complete and  almost complete craftsman made in USA socket sets, ratchets,  combination wrench sets ... etc ..  including the polished professional and industrial stuff ... the better professional screwdrivers (orange / black and black / gold) ... accu-cut and handi-cut ... 

 

just recently got a 70's craftsman 3 door (top) chest full of craftsman tools for 'next to nuthin'

 

a lot of SK stuff out there also 

 

I try to look the other way when I see Snap On stuff - too tempting lol ... like the quality - but prefer to stay away ... recently could not resist when I ran across 3/8 and 1/2 drive ratchets at a good price  

after months of nothing due to covid shutdown - the pickings have been fairly good since things opened up ... even found some knipex pliers recently ... rare find 

 

Edited October 9, 2020 by tom2p

[WHX?? 50,792]

Any chance pics bds??

 

 

 

Yeah over 200???? They don't make them like that anymore!

Edited October 9, 2020 by WHX24

[bds1984 1,466]

16 hours ago, WHX24 said:

Any chance pics bds??

 

 

 

Yeah over 200???? They don't make them like that anymore!

 

I'll post some before and after pictures over the next few days.  There are a ton of duplicates that I am willing to part with once I sort through it all.

[bds1984 1,466]

Here is SOME of the tools in my set.  All USA made except for the Gear Wrenches.  I suppose it was a good thing that I was collecting tools since my early teenage years.  The 6-point sockets and two ratchets in the center is what I added to my arsenal.  I have a ton of extras that I'll be glad to part with!