I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
On 3/18/2022 9:53 PM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
A lot of plastic handle tools off gas a musty mildewey odor.
I have some old Craftsman screw driver handles that stink.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which
is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and
is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day.
On 3/18/2022 9:53 PM, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
A lot of plastic handle tools off gas a musty mildewey odor.I think it was a matter of price - the material was cheap and easy
I have some old Craftsman screw driver handles that stink.
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which
is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and
is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day.
You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like
they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it
ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards
because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would
still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I
haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why
people would buy them.
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which
is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and
is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day.
You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it
ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards
because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water
and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't
know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50
years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl
group).
Joe Gwinn
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which
is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and
is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day.
You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it
ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards
because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water
and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't
know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50
years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl
group).
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while. >>>>>I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which
is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and
is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day.
You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards
because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water
and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't
know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50
years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available
in 1972.
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:06:08 -0400, J. ClarkeInto the sixties it was still the most economical and easy to mold
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while. >>>>>>I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which >>>>>is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and >>>>>is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day.
You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>>ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards >>>>because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water
and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't >>>know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50 >>>years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>>group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available
in 1972.
Sure, but how many were suitable? The various screwdriver
manufacturers will have done trade studies.
Joe Gwinn
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:04:06 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:06:08 -0400, J. ClarkeInto the sixties it was still the most economical and easy to mold
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>>>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>>>ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards >>>>>because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while. >>>>>>>I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which >>>>>>is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and >>>>>>is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day. >>>>>
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water
and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't >>>>know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50 >>>>years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>>>group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available
in 1972.
Sure, but how many were suitable? The various screwdriver
manufacturers will have done trade studies.
Joe Gwinn
plastic generally available to industry that was impact resistant
enough to use for tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals
likely to be encountered in use)
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:40:07 -0400, Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca>Let me rephrase it -
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:04:06 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:06:08 -0400, J. ClarkeInto the sixties it was still the most economical and easy to mold >>plastic generally available to industry that was impact resistant
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>>wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>>>>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>>>>ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards >>>>>>because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while. >>>>>>>>I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>>>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>>>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which >>>>>>>is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and >>>>>>>is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day. >>>>>>
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water >>>>>and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't >>>>>know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50 >>>>>years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>>>>group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available
in 1972.
Sure, but how many were suitable? The various screwdriver
manufacturers will have done trade studies.
Joe Gwinn
enough to use for tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals >>likely to be encountered in use)
Being most economical is not the same though as being "what was
available".
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 23:01:20 -0400, J. Clarke
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:40:07 -0400, Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca> >>wrote:Let me rephrase it -
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:04:06 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:06:08 -0400, J. Clarke >>>><jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:Into the sixties it was still the most economical and easy to mold >>>plastic generally available to industry that was impact resistant
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>>>wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>>>>>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>>>>>ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards >>>>>>>because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while. >>>>>>>>>I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I >>>>>>>>>can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>>>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>>>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years >>>>>>>>>it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>>>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which >>>>>>>>is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and >>>>>>>>is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day. >>>>>>>
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water >>>>>>and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't >>>>>>know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50 >>>>>>years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>>>>>group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available >>>>>in 1972.
Sure, but how many were suitable? The various screwdriver >>>>manufacturers will have done trade studies.
Joe Gwinn
enough to use for tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals >>>likely to be encountered in use)
Being most economical is not the same though as being "what was
available".
Into the sixties it was still the most readily available economical
and easy to mold plastic that was impact resistant enough to use for
tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals likely to be
encountered in use)
Yes, there were better plastis available, but they were either one or
more (and often all) of the following:
More expesive, more difficult to mold, less impact resistant or less >resistant to some common chemical likely to be encountered in use.
The more advanced polymers in use today were NOT in common use in the
late sixties and early seventies for low value articles like knife and
screw driver handles.
Lucite is quite extensively used today for these objects - but it is
CASTm not moulded as it is not thermoplastic. It became available
during the second world war and was used for aircraft windows and
canopies etc - and it took a while for it to perculate down to small
parts manufacturing, where injection molding was the common method of >production.
Top end screwdrivers are now made of nylon. Those used by mere mortals
are made from polypropylene.
The fancy soft touch grips are polyurethane in the nylon handles and
PP/EPDM allow for PP handles.
Hard grades of polyurethane or "Hytrel/Arnitel" type elastomers could
also work very well.
PVC will be susceptible to chemical attack from some chemicals
typically used in automotive workshops. They get gummy and uggly in a
hurry when subjected to petroleum products, solvents like acetone and
brake Kleen, or even many electronic contact cleaners.
On Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:37:57 -0400, Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca>I stand corrected.. - and it can even be injection molded and
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 23:01:20 -0400, J. Clarke
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:40:07 -0400, Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca> >>>wrote:Let me rephrase it -
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:04:06 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:06:08 -0400, J. Clarke >>>>><jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:Into the sixties it was still the most economical and easy to mold >>>>plastic generally available to industry that was impact resistant >>>>enough to use for tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals >>>>likely to be encountered in use)
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>>wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>>>>wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>>>>>>they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>>>>>>ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards >>>>>>>>because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while. >>>>>>>>>>I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>>>>>>still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>>>>>>haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>>>>>>people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which >>>>>>>>>is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and >>>>>>>>>is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day. >>>>>>>>
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water >>>>>>>and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't >>>>>>>know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50 >>>>>>>years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>>>>>>group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available >>>>>>in 1972.
Sure, but how many were suitable? The various screwdriver >>>>>manufacturers will have done trade studies.
Joe Gwinn
Being most economical is not the same though as being "what was >>>available".
Into the sixties it was still the most readily available economical
and easy to mold plastic that was impact resistant enough to use for
tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals likely to be >>encountered in use)
Yes, there were better plastis available, but they were either one or
more (and often all) of the following:
More expesive, more difficult to mold, less impact resistant or less >>resistant to some common chemical likely to be encountered in use.
The more advanced polymers in use today were NOT in common use in the
late sixties and early seventies for low value articles like knife and >>screw driver handles.
Lucite is quite extensively used today for these objects - but it is
CASTm not moulded as it is not thermoplastic. It became available
during the second world war and was used for aircraft windows and
canopies etc - and it took a while for it to perculate down to small
parts manufacturing, where injection molding was the common method of >>production.
You clearly have never made a canopy for a homebuilt aircraft if you
think acrylic is not thermoplastic.
Top end screwdrivers are now made of nylon. Those used by mere mortals
are made from polypropylene.
The fancy soft touch grips are polyurethane in the nylon handles and >>PP/EPDM allow for PP handles.
Hard grades of polyurethane or "Hytrel/Arnitel" type elastomers could
also work very well.
PVC will be susceptible to chemical attack from some chemicals
typically used in automotive workshops. They get gummy and uggly in a >>hurry when subjected to petroleum products, solvents like acetone and
brake Kleen, or even many electronic contact cleaners.
On Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:37:57 -0400, Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca>
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 23:01:20 -0400, J. Clarke
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 20:40:07 -0400, Clare Snyder <clare@snyder.on.ca>Let me rephrase it -
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 18:04:06 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net>
wrote:
On Sun, 20 Mar 2022 15:06:08 -0400, J. ClarkeInto the sixties it was still the most economical and easy to mold
<jclarke.873638@gmail.com> wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 18:28:51 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>> wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 14:12:01 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:
On Sat, 19 Mar 2022 11:16:01 -0400, Joe Gwinn <joegwinn@comcast.net> >>>>>>>> wrote:
On Fri, 18 Mar 2022 22:53:31 -0400, krw@notreal.com wrote:You're likely right but these are _really_ bad. They don't feel like >>>>>>>> they're decomposing. I know some plastic gets tacky or gooey when it >>>>>>>> ages. I've thrown away several tools and even computer keyboards >>>>>>>> because the plastic or "rubber" is decomposing.
I have an old xcelite nut driver set that I haven't used for a while.
I opened the case and it smells worse than fresh dung on your boot. I
can't imagine even the DOD being able to make something that would >>>>>>>>>> still smell so foul after 50 years. I gusts it's no wonder that I >>>>>>>>>> haven't used them in a while.
I have a Ridgid Pro tool box that was pretty bad but after a few years
it's tolerable.
I know xcelite tools stink but is this normal? I can't imagine why >>>>>>>>>> people would buy them.
Those handles were made of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic, which >>>>>>>>> is now decomposing. Butyrate plastic is very tough, molds well, and >>>>>>>>> is cheap. It was very common in screwdriver handles back in the day. >>>>>>>>
Yeah. Mouse pads too.
One thing - the Butyrate handles clean up well using only hot water >>>>>>> and a bit of soap. I have not had any smelly ones lately, so I don't >>>>>>> know if this also eliminates the smell.
There were few alternatives to Cellulose Acetate Butyrate plastic 50 >>>>>>> years ago. It is still widely used today.
Apparently, what is used today is Cellulose Acetate plastic (no butyl >>>>>>> group).
50 years ago was 1972. There was a huge range of plastics available >>>>>> in 1972.
Sure, but how many were suitable? The various screwdriver
manufacturers will have done trade studies.
Joe Gwinn
plastic generally available to industry that was impact resistant
enough to use for tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals
likely to be encountered in use)
Being most economical is not the same though as being "what was
available".
Into the sixties it was still the most readily available economical
and easy to mold plastic that was impact resistant enough to use for
tool handles. (also somewhat resistant to chemicals likely to be
encountered in use)
Yes, there were better plastis available, but they were either one or
more (and often all) of the following:
More expesive, more difficult to mold, less impact resistant or less
resistant to some common chemical likely to be encountered in use.
The more advanced polymers in use today were NOT in common use in the
late sixties and early seventies for low value articles like knife and
screw driver handles.
Lucite is quite extensively used today for these objects - but it is
CASTm not moulded as it is not thermoplastic. It became available
during the second world war and was used for aircraft windows and
canopies etc - and it took a while for it to perculate down to small
parts manufacturing, where injection molding was the common method of
production.
You clearly have never made a canopy for a homebuilt aircraft if you
think acrylic is not thermoplastic.
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