Nasty Craftsman screwdrivers, they are WF.

[coolmercury]

What can I treat these screwdrivers with to stop the mold.  The top is Craftsman and the bottom is Taiwan, both kept in the same draw and both the same age.

[goodfellow]

The top handles are made of cellulose acetate butyrate. The material degrades over time and leeches out to the surface causing the white dust and is often accompanied by a putrid- or vomit-like smell. It can't be eliminated unless you replace the handles. You can however slow down the process by washing the handles in soap and water and then rub them down with WD40 or some other light lubricant such as Marvel Mystery Oil, or Dino-based Trans fluid.

I wipe mine down once/twice a year and they have remained in good condition. When they start to smell, I wash them and then wipe them down a few times with WD40.

[fatfillup]

If the soap and water doesn't clean it, some rubbing compound will clean them up.

Ray, thanks for the tip on the lubricant

[bonneyman]

I use Ballistol gun oil. It's designed to deal with the acidic residue left over from corrosive primers in gun barrels - makes it perfect for dealing with the smelly compounds on the handles.

https://ballistol.com/

If they're chaulky, scrub that off first with soap and water.

[geneg]

Everybody has some old paste car wax in their garage, not the new magic polishes.  Rally, Kit, Turtlewax, etc-  It cleans the white crud off & leaves a clear shiny surface.   Actually seems to last.   Works for me!

[Heiny57]

I have some stinking, I may try some different choices and see which is best. I don’t have ballistol but I might have something close.

[bonneyman]

I used the Ballistol on some VACO nutdrivers that we puking. The odor inside that tool tote didn't return for over a month.

So, it's not a permanent solution but it is effective and safe.

[DeadNutz]

Personally I wouldn't keep those handles unless they had a sentimental value of some kind. Hardly worth the effort of cleaning and de-stinking every so often when that time could be better spent polishing other tools.

[coolmercury]

I agree with DeadNutz and although I have cleaned them it will be the last time.  Thanks guys for all the input.  I did notice that the ones in the drawer next to where I sit and use them frequently are okay.  Probably due to the oil on my hands.

[goodfellow]

I agree with DeadNutz and although I have cleaned them it will be the last time.  Thanks guys for all the input.  I did notice that the ones in the drawer next to where I sit and use them frequently are okay.  Probably due to the oil on my hands.

I also agree! Mine have sentimental value because they were my father and grandfather's, but if that were not the case I'd get rid of them as well. The modern versions -- either NOS US made or the new imports, are much better drivers in many ways.

[walrus]

I think those old Craftsman suck as screwdrivers, ok as pry bars or chisels   But I have some of my Dads so they get used once and awhile, they hang on pegboard beside my bench.

[slip knot]

I think those old Craftsman suck as screwdrivers, ok as pry bars or chisels  

I agree. There are much better drivers in the world but they make good prybars and punches.

[stokester]

The top handles are made of cellulose acetate butyrate. The material degrades over time and leeches out to the surface causing the white dust and is often accompanied by a putrid- or vomit-like smell. It can't be eliminated unless you replace the handles. You can however slow down the process by washing the handles in soap and water and then rub them down with WD40 or some other light lubricant such as Marvel Mystery Oil, or Dino-based Trans fluid.

I wipe mine down once/twice a year and they have remained in good condition. When they start to smell, I wash them and then wipe them down a few times with WD40.

I've had the same issue with some of my Craftsman screwdrivers and VACO nutdrivers.  It must have been a commonly used material as I have also found the residue on '40s-'50s era radio knobs as well.

[jeffmoss26]

I can smell that photo!

[fatfillup]

I can smell that photo!

Darn you, now I smell it too