Keeping Power Tools Casings Clean

Methods For Cleaning The Casings On Cordless And Electric Tools

Most modern battery operated and electric power tools have housings and casings manufactured in metal or one type of plastic or another.

Depending on the country the tool is to be distributed and ultimately sold in, the tools casings will be made using either steel, aluminium, or normally an abs type hard plastic. The design and material used is dictated not only by the type of use the tool is to be put to, but also by the health and safety regulations and laws in the country of sale.

In the USA it has been common practice for manufacturers such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and many others to use a great deal of aluminium in a power tools construction. This gives some of them an "old fashioned" appearance compared with others which have totally plastic clamshells.

One reason as to why this has been common in the USA compared to the UK, and other countries in Europe, is that in the USA the mains electric supply is 110v compared to 240v. In a 240v power tool there is a possible risk of the user getting an electric shock if the tool is faulty and the electric current conducts through it's metal casing.

All "CE" marked tools for sale in the UK and European countries now have to be double insulated hence their casings are mostly made of plastic or similar materials.

Cleaning Plastic Housings On Power Tools

If oil or grease is present on the particular tools casing the tool should first be disconnected from any power source whether it is mains electric, or battery powered. In the case of cordless tools the battery should be completely removed unless it is self contained.

Using soft cloths and a soft cleaning brush (a toothbrush is ideal), a degreasing agent such as the one manufactured under the brand name "Gunk" should be sparingly applied to the surface areas that need attention. Care needs to be taken to ensure none of the degreasing solution enters the cooling or ventilation apertures.

Following the manufacturers instructions with regards to timescales, the degreasing liquid should be given time to work and break down the dirt, oil, and grease present. It may be neccessary to wipe the solution of the tool casing and apply a new layer of solution several times. It all depends on how dirty or soiled the power tool is.

The use of the soft brush, being agitated in various directions will help the cleaning solution do it's job and allow the cleaning solution to penetrate deep into any scratches, gouges, or pit marks that are present.

When you are happy the degreaser has done its job, the tools casing should be given attention with a clean soft cloth to remove any excess liquid and the oil / grease deposits present. The plastic housing (clamshell) should now be completely dried and left for five to 10 minutes for any vapours to evaporate.

The next stage is to apply a cleaning product that will prevent the grease, oil, or dirt building aggresively up in future and help keep the casing clean. There are several products freely available to buy that are suitable but it is important to choose one that has no silicone or polish type surfactants in its make up.

Some of the most effective plastic cleaning products are those that are used in the automotive industry. One being "autoglym" plastic and rubber cleaner. This is an easy to use gel type solution that is long lasting. It is free of silicone, silica, and ammonia. This is ideal for the cleaning of power tools, forming an anti static barrier that protects against moisture, dirt, dust, oil, and plastic staining.