Cleaning pads on Irwin adjustable clamps


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Old 10-24-12, 05:49 AM
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Cleaning pads on Irwin adjustable clamps

I'm a hobbyist and the yellow cushion pads on my Irwin adjustable clamps have starting leaving a mark on my projects. I was able to buy replacement pads for the larger "mini" size. The "micro" size, according to Irwin, are not available either direct from them and/or elsewhere. Irwin graciously sent me a small supply of a small pad, but alas, not for my model. Has anyone tried cleaning these pads and if so, how? THANKS
 
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Old 10-24-12, 05:54 AM
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What have you tried so far? If regular household cleaners don't work, I'd try denatured alcohol.... but just a little as it's possible it might slightly dissolve the plastic - the plastic will harden back up after the alcohol evaporates.
 
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Old 10-24-12, 06:11 AM
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I haven't tried cleaning yet. They are old and pads are getting stiff and lack flexibility. I'm concerned with chemicals making them stiffer. My initial thought was buy replacement pads if possible. I have thought of trying to sand lightly but that might leave exposed "pores" on the surface of the pad..
 
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Old 10-24-12, 09:12 AM
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Magic eraser.....my wife uses them to clean the plastic balls, balance pads, and weights and almost everything else at the gym. No damage and works well. Better than a spray cleaner.
 
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Old 10-24-12, 10:23 AM
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You could also sand them down with sandpaper.
 
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Old 10-24-12, 03:28 PM
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What are you trying to clean off of them?
 
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Old 11-05-12, 06:43 AM
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A buddy of mine worked in the Home Depot tool rental area, and apparently they used WD-40 to clean just about everything.

You might have to do a two-step cleaning process. One step to remove the gunk, another step to remove the cleaning agent.
 
 

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