Smelly screwdrivers

[996GT2]

Yes, this is a serious thread.

I have one of these USA-made Craftsman screwdriver sets with the clear handles:

They've developed a strong smell in the screwdriver drawer of my toolbox. After some searching online, it seems like it's not uncommon for these clear-handled screwdrivers to develop a pungent smell.

Have any of you experienced this? Is there a way to get rid of the smell? Or is there no solution other than tossing them and getting another set with different handles?

 

[NutBucket]

Had the same experience with Xcelite tools at work. I recall reading you can clean them but they're basically out gassing. We simply replaced them with Wera tools

 

[mindless1]

Yes, this is a serious thread.

Serious problems require serious solutions.

#firstworldproblems

 

[Kaido]

You could try Plasti-dipping them to mask the smell. Gives you an improved grip as a bonus. Worth a try for a few bucks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqy06Y4AR2Q

 

[FeuerFrei]

I have the same problem with one or more of my clear-handled craftsman screwdrivers. Now my toolbox smells of cheese. Don't have a solution yet, but I have all manner of solvents and lubricants I could slather them with. If it's biological growth on the tool surface maybe ... alcohol?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I'm pretty sure the things you work on don't care what your screwdrivers smell like. If you're the sensitive type, a little mentholatum on your upper lip should do.

 

[razel]

+1 to Kaido for the PlastiDip. That was my 1st thought too.

 

[lxskllr]

I'd just deal with it. Not like cars smell good to begin with. Rub half of them down with gear oil, and you'll appreciate the stock screwdriver smell more.

 

[gorb]

I've got the same issue with mine. The smell is gross. I'll look into the plasti-dip.

 

[Midwayman]

I just use condoms on mine. Protects my hands from the smell. Seriously though I don't think I've ever stopped to smell my screwdrivers...

 

[gorb]

You can smell them from several feet away.

 

[RampantAndroid]

I have a set of Craftsman screw drivers from a number of years ago...they smell, but it isn't pungent.

 

[Carson Dyle]

I have a set of those from the mid-1980s. I'll have to go smell them now.

 

[master_shake_]

i only have a 3/8 x 12 inch slot screw driver in the craftsman set.

it's covered in grease so i can't smell anything.

 

[SparkyJJO]

I have the same screwdrivers. Yes, they smelled funny for a while when I first got them, though I didn't mind it too much (wasn't stinky, just a funny odor). It mostly went away after a few months, but even a few years later I still get the occasional whiff. I store them in a plastic toolbox.

Side note - they seem halfway decent, I've used the larger flat blade screwdrivers as pry tools several times and nothing has broken yet lol.

 

[Subyman]

Some plastics smell terrible when they begin to degrade. Probably smells like rotten cheese or vomit. Very typical with older tools.

 

[C1]

Dosnt happen often, but the smell of some plastics can be unbearable.

A friend gave me a low end made in China LED flashlight and man-o-man did that thing stink! Washed it in solvents, but nothing seemed to work.

(Worse, was that the smell would actually transfer to your hands when you tried to use it.)

I kind of liked the light (design and all that), but just couldnt bear it & just had to toss it.

 

[996GT2]

Dosnt happen often, but the smell of some plastics can be unbearable.

A friend gave me a low end made in China LED flashlight and man-o-man did that thing stink! Washed it in solvents, but nothing seemed to work.

(Worse, was that the smell would actually transfer to your hands when you tried to use it.)

I kind of liked the light (design and all that), but just couldnt bear it & just had to toss it.

I would have tossed them already if they were disposable Harbor Freight tools, but I kinda expected more from USA-made screwdrivers.

 

[DaTT]

You have no idea how badly I want to smell your screwdriver set.....just to see what we're dealing with.

 

[Ferzerp]

I would have tossed them already if they were disposable Harbor Freight tools, but I kinda expected more from USA-made screwdrivers.

The smell is butyric acid. CAB is a really good plastic for durability. That's why it was used a lot. Unfortunately, yes, it does end up smelling like vomit. There's nothing you can do about it really.

 

[IronWing]

Stop scratching your butt.






Someone had to go there. :biggrin:

 

[Carson Dyle]

The smell is butyric acid. CAB is a really good plastic for durability. That's why it was used a lot. Unfortunately, yes, it does end up smelling like vomit. There's nothing you can do about it really.

Good call. I found this:

http://dwarmstr.blogspot.com/2013/02/why-toolboxes-and-tool-handles-stink.html

He recommends a couple coats of shellac to seal them.

 

[shortylickens]

http://www.garrettwade.com/extra-heavy-duty-screwdriver-set-gp.html#



:thumbsup:

 

[996GT2]

Ended up coating my Craftsman set with a few coats of adhesion promoter (basically clear primer that sticks well to plastic).

Here's the end result. Gives a very slightly frosted look. Time will tell if it takes care of the smell issue.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Exact same problem here. I am ready to toss them and get something else.