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Best Way To Clean a Filthy Multi-Tool?
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subego
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Dec 18, 2011, 05:41 AM
 
Not so much filth actually, but a powdery residue from the finish.

I've drenched the thing in WD40, and that got 90% of it, but now I have black sludge in all the nooks and crannies. I'll buff it with a paper towel and it'll seem clean, then I hit some spot and it looks like I used the towel to wipe down a bicycle chain or something.

Any ideas?
( Last edited by subego; Dec 18, 2011 at 08:04 AM. )
     
Eriamjh
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Dec 18, 2011, 10:37 AM
 
If the towel is turning black, it could be because parts of the tool is aluminum. Black residue can be an effect of some polishing compounds on aluminum. If the powder is white, then you are probably getting aluminum oxide, a type of corrosion.

WD40 will leave a nice oily finish to prevent future corrosion. If you don't want oil on it, hit with brake cleaner.

I'm a bird. I am the 1% (of pets).
     
Tiresias
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Dec 18, 2011, 11:21 AM
 
I just did a boo-boo in my poopy pants.
     
Doofy
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Dec 18, 2011, 12:14 PM
 
Best Way To Clean a Filthy Multi-Tool?
"Wife, clean my filthy multi-tool!"
Been inclined to wander... off the beaten track.
That's where there's thunder... and the wind shouts back.
     
BLAZE_MkIV
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Dec 18, 2011, 12:18 PM
 
Dishwasher?

^Same thing.

bribe a guy at an auto shop to use their part cleaner.
     
macforray
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Dec 18, 2011, 01:07 PM
 
Or find someone with an ultrasonic parts cleaner. Possibly someone who does gun or fishing reel repair. Jewleers also have them, but I doubt they want to "crud" up their solution for a multitool.
macforray
     
Spheric Harlot
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Dec 18, 2011, 04:00 PM
 
Originally Posted by Doofy View Post
"Wife, clean my filthy multi-tool!"
"Not tonight, honey. I have a migraine."
     
mduell
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Dec 18, 2011, 05:07 PM
 
Drop it in an ultrasonic cleaner is the way to go.
     
subego  (op)
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Dec 18, 2011, 08:49 PM
 
Originally Posted by macforray View Post
Or find someone with an ultrasonic parts cleaner. Possibly someone who does gun or fishing reel repair. Jewleers also have them, but I doubt they want to "crud" up their solution for a multitool.
Originally Posted by mduell View Post
Drop it in an ultrasonic cleaner is the way to go.
I think this sounds like the way to go. Thanks!
     
subego  (op)
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Dec 18, 2011, 08:53 PM
 
Originally Posted by Doofy View Post
"Wife, clean my filthy multi-tool!"
Hooray for casual misogyny!
     
phantomdragonz
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Dec 18, 2011, 11:34 PM
 
gets some baking soda and create a DIY soda blaster...

$15 DIY Soda Blaster - YouTube

the baking soda will wash away once dipped in water... be sure to re-lubricate it when you are done.


OH, and WD-40 IS NOT AN OIL!!! it should NEVER be used to lubricate.... its a great cleaner (I use it on motorcycle chains) but its a horrible lubricant... some 3 in 1 oil is much much better!

I have a SOG power lock that can be disassembled, but my leatherman cannot, so I would use some "Super lube" Synthetic grease on the SOG and the 3 and 1 for the Leatherman.

-Zach
     
ghporter
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Dec 19, 2011, 07:47 AM
 
The "WD" in WD-40 stands for "water displacer." The product was invented to displace water in electrical connectors and first fielded in the Atlas missile program. It works great for displacing water and its petroleum base tends to dissolve and help wash away all sorts of gunk, but it is not persistent enough for real lubrication.

Glenn -----OTR/L, MOT, Tx
     
Tiresias
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Dec 20, 2011, 10:22 AM
 
Lighter fluid works pretty well at removing sticky substances—like the labels residue on bottles and gum.
     
   
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