After the storm tool clean up

[farmall]

My buddy in Fla is cleaning up after the storm and trying to salvage his tools. The ratchets and the detent balls on extensions are frozen. The black tools are rusty and electric motors crutsy. What works on salt water damaged tools?

[raggedjim]

I'd soak the ratchets in a penetrating fluid (I like kroil, but there are others). The electric motors can be sprayed out with fresh water and then baked in an oven. I'd replace the bearings.

He probably doesn't have a megger, but if he's worried about doing it himself a motor rewind shop could do it.

Good luck, Rg

[Dead Parrot]

Rinse all the non electrical stuff in fresh water, dry and then soak in kerosene or diesel(cheaper then penetrating oil). Can use a wire brush to clean off the rust after the soaking stuff has dried. For tools that need more, then go to the true penetrating oil/evaporust/other favorite product.

Electrical stuff - Verify no power, open any contact or connection ports then rinse in distilled water, dry and spray with WD-40(Sorta its real purpose). If old enough to have oil ports, oil. If sealed/non lube bearings, can try running but plan on bearing replacement.

Can attempt to use the distilled water trick on electronics but then just use air to dry and hope.

I suggest distilled on electrical things as even fresh water can have trace minerals that leave a deposit that in high humidity can create a conductive path.

Drain any oil from compressors and such, flush with kerosene and then refill with proper oil. Don't forget to add some to the intakes before hand turning.