As a DIY enthusiast, you need to have wrenches and sockets at your disposal, just in case something comes up. Yes, we all know these kinds of tools don’t last forever, but proper care increases their life span. Clean your wrenches and sockets regularly using a degreaser or Batteries mixed with detergent to keep them well longer.
Rust has been the major challenge for metal tools, even when stored as recommended. They can rust due to external factors or other harsh conditions when not in use. Hence, there is a need for regular cleaning to keep them in shape. Wrenches and sockets are some of the tools that need a proper cleaning routine. Here you will learn different ways of keeping your wrenches and sockets clean. Keep reading!
Method Of Cleaning Wrenches And Sockets
With different types of stain, there are various methods of cleaning your tools. Remember that cleaning your tools is essential; it makes them efficient and reliable and increases their lifespan. For these reasons, you should always use the right methods to keep them in good shape.
Cleaning the tools includes removing dirt, grease, grime, silicone, tar, adhesive, and lubrication fluids accumulated on the surface. Depending on the dirt, rust, and tool’s type, the cleaning method and procedure vary. Here are the different methods that you might consider to make your wrenches and sockets clean.
The Basic Method Of Cleaning Wrenches And Sockets
The primary method of cleaning your tools entails removing dirty, greasy, and grime surfaces by use of a rag or a top cutting degreaser. All you need is spray your degreaser onto the tools’ surface and then wipe the surface with the rag until it is clean. Ensure you are careful while carrying out this procedure to avoid any unnecessary damage to your tools or hurting yourself in the process.
An Advanced Method Of Cleaning Your Wrenches And Sockets
This is another interesting way of cleaning your tools. The method entails using materials tailored to make your tools clean in a safe way. An advanced cleaning method is more widely accepted but is not advisable for old tools used for a more extended period or acquired through inheritance.
When using this method, you need to set aside preparation time, given that you will be dealing with stubborn rusts affecting a large part of the tool. The set of equipment you need include:
1. Steel wool
2. Cleaner degreaser
3. Hand gloves
4. Bucket
5. Hot water
6. Brass scrub brush
7. Cloth rags
Having the above items, here are the three steps to follow to get your wrenches and sockets sparkling:
Step 1: Fill in a bucket with hot water and mix it with the right commercial cleaning solution. Now dip your wrenches and sockets into the water for about 30 to 60 seconds. The water solution in the bucket will dissolve any thick dirt on the materials and even make it damp. After the reaction and changes, you can now apply the brass to scrub off the dirty stains and other dust substances like grease.
Repeat the process if the tools are not adequately cleaned to your satisfaction. Once done, dry your wrenches and sockets, especially on the scrubbed surface. This ensures the tools remain rust-free longer.
Step 2: This step involves a more accurate and reliable method of dealing with resilient and aged rust. The process is the same as step 1 above, with the difference being the use of steel wool in place of a brass brush. After cleaning the tools, you also need to dry them to keep them rust-free longer. To make it more efficient, apply a bit of degreaser, and wipe off the water with a dry cloth or rag.
Step 3: After the second step, the cleaning process is done, and now you have to store the tools properly. However, there is a need to ensure a minimum chance of rust reoccurring. It is, thus, advisable to soak your wrenches and sockets with household oil using a small clean piece of cloth or rag. The tools should then be kept in a cool and dry place, ideally inside the toolbox.
Other methods that you can consider to clean wrenches and sockets
Using Soapy Water
Soapy water is composed of warm gallon water and a soap dish. All you need with this reagent is the soapy water and tin, where you can soak your tools to clean them. Dirt like dust will get washed off instantly, while for the sake of grease and other oily products, you have to use a sponge or a piece of nylon paper to rub them off.
To begin this process, put your wrenches and socket into the soapy water and make sure the tools are submerged into the mixture. For the case where you have many tools, you can separate and wash them in turns for thorough cleaning.
The benefit of using soapy water is that it cannot damage your tools; instead, it maintains its quality. After scrubbing stains and other dirty substances, make sure you rinse your tools with clean water. It would be best if you then dried the tools before returning them into the toolbox.
Cleaning Using Lubricants
The use of lubricants is another much-proven and simplest way of cleaning your wrenches or sockets. All you need to do is spray the lubricant onto the surfaces of your tools. When spraying, make sure the wrenches come into contact with your washing material, then wipe with a smooth rag or sponge until there is no greasier surface that you can feel.
It is highly advisable to use the lubricating substance in cleaning your material other than going for the soapy water. The method adds a layer that protects your tools from rust that goes a long way in maintaining their life span. If you use a lubricant to clean, take your time to ensure all the surfaces are clean and safe.
Use Of Coca-Cola
The use of coca-cola is another useful method of cleaning your wrenches and sockets. Coca-Cola brew has some acidic component and so applying it remove off any dirt. The best way of doing it with your coke product is by soaking the material overnight or for 12 hours. Soaking it longer ensures the rust and dirty stains react with the acid present on the coke product.
With the use of Coca-Cola, you are sure to remove the most conspicuous rust on your operational tool for years. At the same time, regularly soaking your tools ensures they are clean and free from dirt and rust always.
Using Lemon Juice And Baking Soda
Lemon juice and baking soda are the most superior agents capable of removing dirt on any mechanical tool. The only disadvantage of the lemon juice is its abrasive nature on the tools. To avoid any damage that might arise while cleaning your tool, you have to make sure the paste is small, thin, and not that much watery. You will thus need to dilute the mixture in the right amount to form a useful rust removal substance.
After washing with the lemon substance, you have to rinse the tool thoroughly. This is because any small remaining portions can damage your wrenches and sockets. The lemon juice and baking soda method can be categorized as the most useful and accessible cleaning method. With the right mixture, you will only need to soak, rinse and wipe your tools before storage
How To Remove Rust From Wrenches And Sockets
Rust is a common form of dirt that might make your tool inefficient. It is, therefore, necessary to clean up your socket as soon as you notice any rust. Use the following ways to get rid of the rust effortlessly:
Use Of vinegar
This is the most proper way of getting rid of rust. All you need is to soak your tools into the tin filled with vinegar. You will have to make sure the wrenches and sockets take enough time to react and work effectively on the rusted surface. After giving it enough time on the solution, you can then remove and scrub with a brush or steel wool.
Using Magica
Magica rust remover is the best-rated product for rust removal. The product is designed purposely for cleaning socket rusts. They are produced with little or no harsh abrasives and acids. Remember, other products have acidic components that can damage the tools without proper care. Magica is a mild formula product, it is suitable for use on any delicate surface that you fear, and there will be no harm during your cleaning process.
Using Magica is very simple all you need is spray on the surface of your items, then you wipe gently to remove all the rust. After removing all the dirt and rust, you can then rinse and dry the socket.
Types Of Wrenches And Their Importance In Cleaning And Maintenance
Going for the right type of wrenches has always been a significant factor while making a purchase, but it’s advisable to consider cleaning. Before selecting your wrenches, you need to understand how easy or challenging it is to maintain them. It is thus advisable to check different types of tools that suit your work and one which can be cleaned and maintained easily. Here are the various wrenches and how to get them clean:
Adjustable Wrench
An adjustable type is a moveable wrench that can be adjusted to different sizes to work on different nuts’ sizes. Having a moveable part that works as a lever, the wrenches can be cleaned using different methods, such as cleaning liquids and any other method that involve fluids.
Combinational Wrench
A combination wrench applies to a specific size of nuts and bolts. This type of wrench has an adjustable length with no moveable parts, and therefore cleaning and maintaining are way much more comfortable than others. Just like other tools, combinational ones also need to be cleaned after using them. It is easy to clean, given that they do not have any moveable parts that can hinder you from scrubbing the particular parts. Another feature that makes it more manageable is the shining surface that protects it from rusting.
Open-End Wrench
Like combinational ones, the open-end wrench is easy to clean, given it does not have any part that hinders the cleaning and scrubbing of the surface. If you don’t want any challenge in cleaning the tools, then an open-end wrench is the best choice. It gives you a chance to use all cleaning forms to keep your tool in good condition.
Ratchet Wrench
These types are normally used for tightening and loosening different types of nuts. With this type of product, only one end can expose you to difficulty while cleaning it up. But with the use of a brush, you will still get the tool sparkling clean. Owning a ratchet for your mechanical tool is an added advantage as they present no challenge in cleaning them. It allows you to use different cleaning methods without damaging the tools.
Short-Body
As the name suggests, this is a short device that you can use on simple mechanical work. It has two fix sizes for opening a fixed type of nuts. Most appropriately short body wrench can be soaked on a small tin with a cleaning solution and scrubbed to remove the rusts and dirt. Also, as they are designed with a simple design, it can easily be cleaned up with all the other cleaning forms listed above. Therefore, having this tool is an advantage given you are not limited to only a specific type of cleaning method.
Crowfoot Wrench
This is a beneficial type of wrench with different standard metric sizes that can open different types of nuts and bolts. The tool design allows its application in tight spaces, which complements all the other types in your toolbox. Apart from its working advantages, the sizes also allow for easy cleaning and storage. Though some are too small to be cleaned, using brass and acids will work just fine.
Basin Wrench
This type is meant for loosening nuts and hose coupling under the sink. They are easy to manage and clean, thanks to its simple design. The backside of this tool is made of plastic and therefore stays rust-free forever.
Pipe Wrench
Pipe wrenches are meant for turning metal pipes and fitting. The design is crucial as it does present difficulty while you are trying to clean it up. So, you have to use a more advanced method to make your cleaning successful. You can soak it in Coca-Cola to get it all clean as some parts are hidden and hard to clean using other methods such as scrubbing.
Summary Table Of Different Types Of Wrenches And Methods You Can Use In Cleaning
| Use Of Soapy Water | Use Of Coca-Cola | Lubricants | Use Of Soda And Baking Powder | |
| Adjustable wrench | Yes | Yes | Ys | Yes |
| Combinational wrench | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Open-end wrench | Yes | Yes | ||
| Ratchet wrench | Yes | |||
| Stubby wrench | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Basin wrench | Yes | |||
| Cowfoot wrench | Yes | Yes | ||
| Pipe wrench | Yes |
Importance Of Cleaning Tools, I.E., Wrenches, And Sockets
High-quality tools are a significant investment; taking good care of your tools ensures that they will last a little longer and gives you value for your money. Clean and properly stored tools will save you time while making your jobs easier.
Cleaning the tools also ensure that they are safe to use. Remember, tools are highly needed to accomplish a task that sounds problematic to you. Therefore, wrenches and socket are meant to be a working aid. But they can turn around and be problematic if left without care and maintenance for a long time. Tools that are left for a long time without using them need to be cleaned. If not cleaned, then they are at high risk of breaking and even hurting the user.
Be mindful of the storage location after cleaning your tools. It is advisable to get a spacious place for your tools. Furthermore, cleaning up your tools might need to hang your tools on a pegboard or store them in a toolbox. Depending on the storage method and place, it is nice to select a place where you can easily manage your tools as they dry up.
Final Word
As we have seen, they are different ways of cleaning up mechanical tools. Be it simple cleaning or drastic ones, you will find one which suits your needs. Cleaning and proper storage of wrenches and sockets will make your work easier and efficient, not to mention its reliability and durability. It is thus advisable to consider the cleaning and maintenance of specific tools before making a purchase.
