Tried a new way to clean old guide rails in a tight spot last month

Had a job in a 1960s building where the rails were caked with old grease and dirt. Instead of the usual solvent and rags, I tried a small, stiff nylon brush on a cordless drill. I figured it would save time. It actually worked too well and threw a fine dust everywhere, which got into the motor room. Spent an extra hour cleaning that up. Has anyone found a good method for this that keeps the mess down?

2 comments

2 Comments

derek_burns8722d ago

Man, that dust cloud sounds familiar. I was cleaning out an old garage fan last summer, same deal with a brush on a drill. Ended up coating a whole shelf of paint cans in grey fuzz. Maybe try a wet method next time, like a brush and some simple green, just keep it damp so the gunk doesn't go airborne?

emery_lane22d ago

Ugh, wet methods are the only way to go. That dust gets into everything and it's a nightmare to clean up after. A damp rag with some all purpose cleaner cuts right through the grime without making a cloud. Learned that the hard way after I had to wipe down my whole workbench. Saves so much time in the long run.