Cleaning my SAK...

[TazzieRob]

No, I said SAK, not SACK.....   Some like it rough, some like it soft with nice mood lighting and scented candles....

Anyhoo, Tore down a Signature that was looking rather gunky and - *GASP* Rusty  inside.

This is what it all looked like







Other than steel wool, what is the best way to clean these bits for re-use? 

[captain spaulding]

I would say a good plan of attack would be to soak all the metal parts (fully submerged) in WD-40 for 48 hours. After that do your steel wool cleaning and see where your at. I would imagine it should be pretty well taken care of by then though.

[papercut]

Coca-cola soak is another option.  But not sprite!

[captain spaulding]

Coca-cola soak is another option.  But not sprite!

I tested this a few times and it does work. 

[TazzieRob]

Full coke or coke zero? How long for? Overnight or a couple of days or until I remember I left them soaking because my short attention span mea - Squirrel!

[captain spaulding]

Full coke or coke zero? How long for? Overnight or a couple of days or until I remember I left them soaking because my short attention span mea - Squirrel!

I would personally go with the WD-40, but if you wan't to do Coke do regular Coke. You will want to change the liquid out for fresh stuff after about 12 hours. I would say 24 hours should be good.

[Corwyn]

When did Vic start outsourcing their manufacturing to Oregon? 

On a serious note.. WD 40

[pfrsantos]

Also tooth paste or that stuff to clean silverwear and copper. Be sure to wash it after and dry it.

[Syph007]

When I work on a customer SAK that comes in like that, soap and a toothbrush is usually enough to clean the tools.  If I need more I use scotchbright scrubbies.

The liners I wash first, then just sand them with 800 grit wet/dry and then polish and they look better than new.

[TazzieRob]

When did Vic start outsourcing their manufacturing to Oregon? 

On a serious note.. WD 40

Due to the rust?     I have no idea of the history of it, got it in a lot of 10. The outside of the liners looks fine, but the inside looked so bad I didn't think a warm soapy wash and oil would be satisfactory, plus I can use the parts

Also tooth paste or that stuff to clean silverwear and copper. Be sure to wash it after and dry it.

The liners are Nickel Silver, yes? Does that mean they are plated or  mixed together? Green crud from liners, brown crud from spring and tool rust.

When I work on a customer SAK that comes in like that, soap and a toothbrush is usually enough to clean the tools.  If I need more I use scotchbright scrubbies.

The liners I wash first, then just sand them with 800 grit wet/dry and then polish and they look better than new.

Not torn down a brand new sak, but I'd believe you there! Nice step wised approach. Only clean the worst bits that need it with more steps.