Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

"Smitty Two" wrote in message
news
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?


I've had the same problem for years, mostly with Craftsman and other brands
which have clear handles. Not so much with Snap-On. I'm mystified.

On Nov 18, 10:00*am, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:
"Smitty Two" wrote in message

news
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

I've had the same problem for years, mostly with Craftsman and other brands
which have clear handles. Not so much with Snap-On. I'm mystified.

Some plastics absorb odors more than others.

On 11/18/2010 8:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

In 1979 at my job they gave me a set of "Xcelite" brand nut drivers.
Thirty one years later they still smell. It's the type of plastic they
use, I've seen (smelled) other things over the years with the same
smell. Sort of a chocolate/vomit smell.

On 11/18/2010 7:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Of the tools I've owned that had that smell and oily feel, I worry
when the smell goes away. Fungus grows on the handles of the tools
that have the smell cooked out of them. I've had some that were
left in hot vehicles for years where the temperature exceeds 120°F
and fungus will grow on them when they are later stored away in a
toolbox or drawer.

TDD

On 11/18/2010 1:15 PM, Tony Miklos wrote:
On 11/18/2010 8:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

In 1979 at my job they gave me a set of "Xcelite" brand nut drivers.
Thirty one years later they still smell. It's the type of plastic they
use, I've seen (smelled) other things over the years with the same
smell. Sort of a chocolate/vomit smell.

Cellulose acetate is most likely the offending plastic and smell could
be from its breakdown.

http://web.me.com/trashpatch/Blog/Bl..._Tunne l.html


Never seen it myself from old tools.

"Smitty Two" wrote in message
news
In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

I opened an old tool box in the garage awhile back and noticed quite a
rotten odor. I figured out the decaying plastic handle on a screwdriver was
responsible. The plastic was breaking down and crumbling, and some product
of that process was really stinky. I threw away the screwdriver and
scrubbed out the toolbox with mineral spirits and that seemed to help, but a
couple of years later there is still a faint stink. Maybe a box of baking
soda would help, but I keep plumbing parts in that toolbox now and I don't
much care if they smell a little funny.

"Smitty Two" wrote in message
news
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Spray with Krylon clear finish. I do this and also on metal tools to prevent
rust from high humidity.
If you think this would damage the plastic try clear shellac. WW

On 11/18/2010 4:33 PM, WW wrote:
"Smitty wrote in message
news
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Spray with Krylon clear finish. I do this and also on metal tools to prevent
rust from high humidity.
If you think this would damage the plastic try clear shellac. WW



Sears had that problem big-time for several years with their
clear/red/blue screwdriver handles. Some sort of outgassing from the
plastic handles. Put a new set in a tight tool box for a month, and
opening it would gag a maggot. Don't know if they changed formulas or
OEM manufacturers or what, but haven't heard of it in several years. My
'clean' tool set that stays in a separate box had that problem, but
after ten years, you have to hold the screwdrivers right up to your nose
to tell.

--
aem sends...

Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one
drawer of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a
few years ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought
new) that smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail
and finally threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the
smell but I found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

I had an old snap-on changeable tip screwdriver that would secrete liquid from
the plastic handle. Clean it up, even using solvent, and a few months later it
would be laying in a pool of liquid. I finally found a snap-on truck while "I
had it in my car, and they swapped it for a newer version.

On Nov 18, 9:00*am, "JoeSpareBedroom"
wrote:
"Smitty Two" wrote in message

news
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

I've had the same problem for years, mostly with Craftsman and other brands
which have clear handles. Not so much with Snap-On. I'm mystified.

I had the same problem.

Wood chisels with clear handles from Sears.

Andy

On 11/18/2010 1:27 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 11/18/2010 7:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Of the tools I've owned that had that smell and oily feel, I worry
when the smell goes away. Fungus grows on the handles of the tools
that have the smell cooked out of them. I've had some that were
left in hot vehicles for years where the temperature exceeds 120°F
and fungus will grow on them when they are later stored away in a
toolbox or drawer.

TDD

Yup! Fungus will grow on my Xcelite tool handles if left in the right
conditions.

On Nov 18, 8:21*am, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

A childhood memory:

My aunt had a metal canister full of plastic buttons. Hundreds and
hundreds of buttons.

When you opened the canister, the smell would almost knock you out.

On Nov 19, 10:02*am, Tony Miklos wrote:
On 11/18/2010 1:27 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:





On 11/18/2010 7:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Of the tools I've owned that had that smell and oily feel, I worry
when the smell goes away. Fungus grows on the handles of the tools
that have the smell cooked out of them. I've had some that were
left in hot vehicles for years where the temperature exceeds 120°F
and fungus will grow on them when they are later stored away in a
toolbox or drawer.

TDD

Yup! *Fungus will grow on my Xcelite tool handles if left in the right
conditions.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yea, I get white fungus on some of my old craftsman screwdrivers.

On 11/19/2010 9:02 AM, Tony Miklos wrote:
On 11/18/2010 1:27 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 11/18/2010 7:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Of the tools I've owned that had that smell and oily feel, I worry
when the smell goes away. Fungus grows on the handles of the tools
that have the smell cooked out of them. I've had some that were
left in hot vehicles for years where the temperature exceeds 120°F
and fungus will grow on them when they are later stored away in a
toolbox or drawer.

TDD

Yup! Fungus will grow on my Xcelite tool handles if left in the right
conditions.

Man, I've got some I obtained in the early 70's and they're still some
of my prized tools. 8-)

TDD

On 11/19/2010 10:13 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 11/19/2010 9:02 AM, Tony Miklos wrote:
On 11/18/2010 1:27 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 11/18/2010 7:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one
drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Of the tools I've owned that had that smell and oily feel, I worry
when the smell goes away. Fungus grows on the handles of the tools
that have the smell cooked out of them. I've had some that were
left in hot vehicles for years where the temperature exceeds 120°F
and fungus will grow on them when they are later stored away in a
toolbox or drawer.

TDD

Yup! Fungus will grow on my Xcelite tool handles if left in the right
conditions.

Man, I've got some I obtained in the early 70's and they're still some
of my prized tools. 8-)

TDD

I think you are the 2nd to say that. The quality of Xcelite tools must
vary greatly over the years. Most, but not all of the ones I have/had
are not anything to write home about. It seems they had infiltrated the
industry I was working in and all the parts places carried Xcelite
tools. My Xcelite tools came to me late 1979 through 1984. Some of the
stuff was good, but most of it was pretty bad by 1982.

On 11/20/2010 8:26 AM, Tony Miklos wrote:
On 11/19/2010 10:13 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 11/19/2010 9:02 AM, Tony Miklos wrote:
On 11/18/2010 1:27 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 11/18/2010 7:21 AM, Smitty Two wrote:
Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one
drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few
years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Of the tools I've owned that had that smell and oily feel, I worry
when the smell goes away. Fungus grows on the handles of the tools
that have the smell cooked out of them. I've had some that were
left in hot vehicles for years where the temperature exceeds 120°F
and fungus will grow on them when they are later stored away in a
toolbox or drawer.

TDD

Yup! Fungus will grow on my Xcelite tool handles if left in the right
conditions.

Man, I've got some I obtained in the early 70's and they're still some
of my prized tools. 8-)

TDD

I think you are the 2nd to say that. The quality of Xcelite tools must
vary greatly over the years. Most, but not all of the ones I have/had
are not anything to write home about. It seems they had infiltrated the
industry I was working in and all the parts places carried Xcelite
tools. My Xcelite tools came to me late 1979 through 1984. Some of the
stuff was good, but most of it was pretty bad by 1982.

I still have my Weller temperature controlled soldering station bought
new in 1973. I've replaced a few parts but it's been very reliable over
the years. I'm a tool junkie, I'm always collecting some new or
interesting tools and can tell in short order the quality of an item.
I'm still like a little kid with a new toy when it comes to any fresh
tool or gadget. 8-)

TDD

In article
,
Smitty Two wrote:

Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Thanks to all respondents; clearly all signs point to plastics as the
culprit. Yes, the nut drivers to which I refer are indeed Xcelite brand.
I guess the same "smell before you buy" policy one would use at a
whorehouse needs to be implemented at the tool store, also.

On Nov 20, 10:43*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,
*Smitty Two wrote:

Had occasion recently to move a bunch of stuff in order to replace a
clothes dryer. One thing that got moved was an old oak desk, with an
assortment of hand tools in one of the drawers. I discovered that the
tool drawer is quite malodorous.

I've run into this before. Years ago I worked at a shop where one drawer
of a rollaway tool cabinet smelled exactly like vomit. And, a few years
ago I bought a set of nut drivers in a plastic case (bought new) that
smelled awful. I aired them outside for weeks to no avail and finally
threw the plastic case away, which got rid of most of the smell but I
found that even the plastic handles still stink.

In that last instance of course, I identified the source of the smell,
but in those other two I did not. Anyone else have stinky tools?
Diagnosis? Remedy?

Thanks to all respondents; clearly all signs point to plastics as the
culprit. Yes, the nut drivers to which I refer are indeed Xcelite brand.
I guess the same "smell before you buy" policy one would use at a
whorehouse needs to be implemented at the tool store, also.

The common plastic handles are cellulose esters. C-acetate is used a
lot, and also C-butyrate. I suspect the odor is the butyrate, as
butyric acid compounds are a component of rancid butter (butter
=butyrate) and human sweat. One evil chemist I knew took revenge on a
colleague by mixing a sulfur analog butyrate into his Brylcream.
Similar compounds are found in nature in the insect eating plants that
exude rotting flesh smells as an attractant. For your information and
not related to home repair.

Joe