Screwdriver handle issues

[bunger]

I have several screwdrivers with this white waxy substance growing on them.
This is happening to handles in both my garage and basement workshop.
It's relatively dry in both places just the normal humidity fluctuations of the New England climate.
I do have multiple desiccant packets in each drawer of the tool boxes. I save any packet that comes with various things I buy and they go in the tool boxes.

This is happening to good quality tools as well as the cheapo's.
In a drawer full of about 20 drivers only 1 or 2 may have this condition.
Any ideas about cleaning these? Any way to prevent this in the future?

[rusty]

The cellulose acetate plastic the handles are made from is , unfortunatly, not completly stable, and self decomposes over time.  Dipping in light oil seems to help, a little, there is some debate as to whether the white stuff is just the product of the leached butyric acid and moisture, or if it is mold eating it.

[Lewill2]

Mine have it also, I believe what is growing on mine is mildew or something like it. I use bleach and mildew cleaner like used on house siding. It still returns, I have also tried a coating of WD40 after cleaning but it still seems to return after maybe 10 - 12 months. You can also try storing them in a dryer climate.

[bonneyman]

Try dipping the handle in Ballistol oil. When mixed with water it is slightly alkaline, and neutralizes acidic residue. That should stop the deterioration caused by butyric acid breakdown. This may also eliminate the common sewar smell complaint as well.
Never tried it on plastic handles, but it works great for acidic residue in gun barrels!

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/Outdoors/Subject/SubjectRead.aspx?sid=73&aid=147709&type=T

[dimwittedmoose51]

I run accross that issue form time to time and can't seem to isolate which screwdrivers are susepitble to that funk and which aren't.  I will experiment with rubbing some lanolin rich cream in this next batch I clean and see if that helps.  It can't hurt.  I think Lauver had a plan for that stuff at one point, but forgot what he did.

My last battle with it was won with simple green  and a lot of stiff bristle scrubbing.

DM&FS

[oldtools]

Some info on this...  the white powder is called "bloom", (smells like vomit)
http://www.plastiquarian.com/index.php?id=7&subid=127

also the acid from one handle attacks others, looks like charcoal may help to absorb the acid vapors leaching from the plastic, don't use solvents to clean, just clean with scotchbrite... maybe the charcoal from fish tank filters could help.

[Lostmind]

You have the vomit part right, my box smells nasty, comes from the screwdriver drawer!