On Sun, 14 Apr 2019 07:44:15 -0700, Expiring
wrote:

I have a few almost new usage-wise, but very old, tools with rubber
handles. I want to keep using them.

The rubber surface has become gooey and sticky and comes off on my hands.

I cannot easily cover it with tape.

Is there some way to fix this. ?

Some chemical to solidify the rubber goo ?

Is it only the surface that I can somehow clean off ?

Maybe freezing at low temps (dry ice?) might make
the stuff brittle so a whack with a hammer will
shear it off.
Replace with refrigerant foam insulator tube. Or
bicycle grips.