Multitool TLC

[J-sews]

Multitools are tough, but so is the way we use them. Despite being better than ever, even the best tool needs a little TLC now and then. NeitherExtreme started this thread looking for input on what everyone does to keep their multi in tip-top shape. We'll make the thread a sticky and keep it here at the top of the Mod Squad forum for reference.

If you've got anything to share - be it on cleaning, maintaining, or reconditioning your multitool, then by all means add it here!

Thanks!   

[NeitherExtreme]

Simple thread, just currious to here how you all take care of your tools. 
So, how do you clean, lube, and rustproof your tools? How do you sharpen the blades? What else do you do to keep your tools in tip-top shape? Also, what have you tried that didn't work or you don't do anymore?

If a tool is dirty/rusty, I clean it with WD-40. I also use toothpicks and q-tips. A great cleaning tool I've been using recently came with my electric shaver- it just a two sided brush with stiff plastic bristles and it works great in tight spots!
To lube and prevent rust, I've been using normal 3-in-1 on a lot of my tools and miltec on the more expensive ones. I think I'm about to ditch the Miltec- it works ok, but seems gritty sometimes and I'm not seeing any good reason to spend $9 a bottle instead of using my trusy 3-in-1.
I sharpen with a sharpmaker I've had for a while now, but I still feel like I'm learning with it everytime I use it. It's done great for everything but the tips. They're still giving me problems, but I'm getting better. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Here's a "Care and Feeding" article I wrote for SOSAKOnline:

http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=127&Itemid=35

It's written for SAKs, but it's the same process for multitools.

Def

[Anthony]

Using floss around those extremely tight spaces around the pivot of the pliers really clean out the black gunk that builds up there.

I use 3-in-1 oil also every other week or two on my daily multitools, depending on how hard I use them.  And the old toothpick and Qtip come in handy

[hawkchucker]

I actually abuse my tools and have to Maintain them quite often. I use brake cleaner to drive all the gunk out, and then oil with Marvels mystery oil. If there is rust or really stubborn stuff I have been known to run them through the parts cleaner at work and give them a thorough douche to get all the crap out. To sharpen I use the Smith diamond pen. It is a great little gismo that does serr and strait blades with ease.

[J-sews]

I'm do pretty much the same as you guys with the WD40, Rem-Oil instead of 3-in-1 oil, toothpick and Q-tips. Never tried that floss idea, I'll have to give it a whirl next time.

The foreign substance that I despise the most in my multitool though is sand! Gritty, grindy, sand. Even one grain between the pivots gives me  the heebie-jeebies.   

I keep a small aerosol can of compressed air at my workbench to blow out my tools when needed. They sell the stuff rather cheaply at most office supply stores.

[NeitherExtreme]

x2 on the sand. I hate that stuff! I once got some sand in my KF4, and it got up in between the aluminum scales and the steel liners. If I squeezed the handles I could hear the "scrape scrape" of the sand.  It eventually all worked its way out though. I also think I'll give that floss idea a try.

[knife-man]

I wash them once in a blue moon then cover them with dub dee and leave the excess to drip off.

Toothpicks and Q-tip's indeed     .

[Grant Lamontagne]

Sand is nasty stuff.  Few things send shivers up my spine like that grinding sound of solid grit in a SAK or multi.  That's why I almost never take a SAK to the beach.  If anything breaks there, well then that's just too bad!

Regular grit is terrible too, but sand is the bane of my tool existence.  I almost long for poorly made tools when dealing with sand as the giant gaps allow for easier cleaning!

Def

[Anthony]

Sand is nasty stuff.  Few things send shivers up my spine like that grinding sound of solid grit in a SAK or multi.  That's why I almost never take a SAK to the beach.  If anything breaks there, well then that's just too bad!

Regular grit is terrible too, but sand is the bane of my tool existence.  I almost long for poorly made tools when dealing with sand as the giant gaps allow for easier cleaning!

Def

Or carry a SOG when around sand...breaks down in two minutes.


I dropped a SAK in some dirt a few weeks ago while digging (it was in my front pocket)...GRIT!  I gave it a good wash and it came out fine.  Good thing the soil was kind of moist...it really didn't sneak between the impliments.

[Grant Lamontagne]

In my former life as a home brewing supply store manager I used to have access to a nice little pressurized water jet that I found to be very good for cleaning SAKs.  It was a great little model that was adapted form a dental water drill, and it would clean anything.  I am going to have to see if I can find another one one of these days...

Def

[NeitherExtreme]

Toothpicks and Q-tip's indeed     .

Uh oh, sounds like a normal person walked in on this conversation.  If I heard that some guy at work cleaned his normal tools that way, I'd think he was a little off his rocker, but here I am doing the same thing!     Now I want to go see if I can find my old water jet I had in junior high for my braces!  :grin:

[Grant Lamontagne]

I actually use Q Tips as well, although now I'm a little embarrassed to admit it!

Does it help if I say that I use a multi to squish the heads so they fit down inside the channels of a SAK?

Def

[damota]

I actually use Q Tips as well, although now I'm a little embarrassed to admit it!

Does it help if I say that I use a multi to squish the heads so they fit down inside the channels of a SAK?

Def

No 

Dave

[knife-man]

OK so I admit it .. they go ion the bath me once a month .. whether they (or I ) need's it or not  .

Then I cover then in dub dee .