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Can WD-40 Be Used for Cleaning Tools?

Posted by Writer - May 20, 2020 - Tool Rentals
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Hand tools and power tools should both be cleaned regularly to protect them from the effects of dust and sawdust buildup. By keeping your tools clean and well maintained, you’ll help them avoid rusting, which will allow them to remain in good operational condition for many years to come.

Perhaps you’ve wondered whether WD-40 can be used to clean tools in Monroe, LA. WD-40 is a great item to have on hand for cleaning tools of any kind, because power tools cannot be cleaned with soap and water, as water could get into the electrical components of the device. Of course, with power tools, it’s always a good idea to keep your instruction manual so you can make sure you follow any manufacturer recommendations regarding cleaning substances and methods.

It’s common for grease and rust to build up on any tools, especially hand tools, which are often left lying out in the garage, in the car or on surfaces in your shop. Over time, the sharp ends can start to become blunt and develop cracks, which could result in them shattering upon impact. Cleaning helps you to prevent this long-term degradation.

Cleaning the tools with WD-40

Before you can clean the rust from tools, you need to properly degrease them, and that’s where WD-40 comes in. Use a rag and some WD-40 to apply a coat of the degreaser on the tool you’re cleaning, then wait a few minutes for the lubricant to loosen up the grease. You can then use a lint-free cloth to wipe it off, and apply the degreaser again.

The next step is to use some steel wool to scrub at any stains that are still left behind, before finally rinsing the tool (assuming it’s a hand tool) with water. WD-40 is a light degreaser and should not leave behind any residue, but rinsing off the hand tool will remove any remaining WD-40 so it is ready for rust removal.

Keep in mind that WD-40 isn’t a complete cleaning solution in itself in many cases—just a first step to allow you to attack the rust more easily. However, doing this regularly before rust forms will help you prevent rust formation.

If there are rust spots already on the tool, then after you complete the steps with WD-40 you should move on to some more thorough cleaning methods to remove the rust. You might have a special rust removal product, but you can also use common household products, such as vinegar. With large rust buildup, you can leave your tools soaking in a bucket of vinegar overnight, which should allow most of the rust to dissolve by the morning.

After a good soak, you can take out the tools and scrub them with steel wool. Next, make a 2:1 water-to-baking soda mixture and soak the tools for about five minutes to remove discoloration. Finally, rinse the tools with water and dry them with a paper towel before blow drying to prevent oxidation. This should remove most or all of the rust.

For more information about using WD-40 to clean tools in Monroe, LA, contact the team at Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.

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Ram Rent-All, Inc. (Equipment)
3117 Concordia Ave.
Monroe, LA 71201

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