Easy Way to Clean Aluminum Tool Box

SamsDad

Posted 3/18/2009 19:17 (#648649) Subject: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Western EC Iowa

I've tried a couple different products to try and get my diamond tread aluminum toolbox on my truck clean.  Neither of them seem to have done anything.  One guy that sold me his magic juice said to use old carpet, as it will get in all of the nooks and crannies of the tread, but that didn't work any better than a terry cloth.  Anyone have a good way of doing this?  The box is looking pretty ratty, would like to clean it up to shiny again if possible.  Thanks, Ben kinzeman

Posted 3/18/2009 19:35 (#648667 - in reply to #648649) Subject: RE: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

West Union IA

I use White Diamonds on rims with power buffer and works good. I'm sure it will there also, the key is to let it dry a tad then buff.... Jacob Bolson

Posted 3/18/2009 20:09 (#648699 - in reply to #648649) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Iowa

What have you been using to clean the toolbox, Ben? tate_bxl

Posted 3/18/2009 20:11 (#648701 - in reply to #648649) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Savage, Montana

on our aluminum truck rims we use acid wash, we also used it on an aluminum stock trailer and since it is an acid that you spray on it gets in all the nooks and cranies. what it does is the acid eats off the layer of oxidation that looks bad. just spray it on with a windex bottle or a clorox bottle and let it sit about 30 sec to a min. and then powerwash it off good, do that twice and it will look like new. SamsDad

Posted 3/18/2009 20:31 (#648733 - in reply to #648701) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Western EC Iowa

The stuff I have now is PPC "EASY" aluminum polish.  The "easy" sold me.  Not sure what the other product was, pretty sure I tossed it after it didn't work.  What brand of acid wash do you use or is it a homemade type of deal?  Thanks for the replies guys.  Ben JohnW

Posted 3/18/2009 20:36 (#648736 - in reply to #648733) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

NW Washington

Try some Nevr-dull. Navy used to use this stuff to polish VIP airplanes. Fun job.

http://www.nevrdull.com/

frostbite

Posted 3/18/2009 21:02 (#648776 - in reply to #648736) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

N Illinois

I've used a product called Flitz with very good results. I would recommend betting a buffing ball for something the size of pickup tool-box.

http://www.flitz-polish.com/Flitz-Polishes?leadsource=PS114&s_kwcid...

Topshot

Posted 3/18/2009 21:51 (#648864 - in reply to #648776) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Near Richmond, IN

I've used Flitz on my Explorer aluminum rims and motorcycle polished aluminum rims with good results. I also put it on with 0000 steel wool----and no it won't scratch the aluminum-I wouldn't use it on my harley if it would. NB4020

Posted 3/18/2009 22:23 (#648916 - in reply to #648649) Subject: RE: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Woodstock,New Brunswick.Canada

The diamond tread is the very worst to polish,what I do on my highway trucks is hi-pressure wash any loose dirt or grease off then I use S.O.S.(brand name)pads with the soap in them to get rid of the dullness.The S.O.S. pads bring up a real good shine with a little bit of elbow grease,then a coat of good polish to hold the shine.My favorite now is one called Wicked Good Polish,it is a liquid goes on easy,a little rubbing and the result is a very good shine.The usual acid you get for aluminum cleans it good but leaves it very white looking,the acid dairy farmers use to clean their milking system is not as harsh so if you spray it on then leave it for a few minutes before washing it with at least a 4000lb. washer you will get a very decent shine with a lot less work. Swenny79

Posted 3/18/2009 23:55 (#649091 - in reply to #648649) Subject: RE: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Concordia, KS

I have used Mother's ALuminum polish on mine. It will make it SHINE!! Rub at the same direction of the diamond plate and it will look nice. THe toolbox was used when I bought it and with a little polish work it looked brand new. Now its very easy to keep looking nice, just use the scrub brush at a carwash and it will look great.

Kevin

Edited by Swenny79 3/19/2009 00:02

(Small Toolbox.JPG)

Attachments
----------------
Small Toolbox.JPG (60KB - 152 downloads)

bullhauler

Posted 3/19/2009 00:53 (#649134 - in reply to #648701) Subject: Re: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Denhoff,ND right in the center of the State

Acid isnt a polish, it is a cleaner and you will loose all the shinely luster by useing it, infact it will turn white. Terry binmover

Posted 3/19/2009 01:17 (#649149 - in reply to #649091) Subject: if you use acid, use citric acid

Garner Iowa

Ive used citric acid from the powder we mix in with the hog water to clean aluminum on our hopper bottoms. worked good, but if you really want a good polished look, use Mothers, its the best shine ive ever found. JDFarmall

Posted 3/19/2009 06:52 (#649205 - in reply to #648649) Subject: RE: Polishing aluminum toolbox - need advice

Northeast Nebraska

We use some liquid stuff that Peterbuilt sells. It's in a plastic bottle, maybe 16 oz. It's purple but I can't tell you the name of it off the top of my head. (Just go to Peterbuilt and tell them you want the purple aluminum polish) Costs less than $15 per bottle and all you do is wipe it on, wait a few minutes and then wipe it back off. It removes the oxidation and leaves a polish on it for protection. We use micro fiber towels and I like the results.

howellgrapt1953.blogspot.com

Source: https://talk.newagtalk.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=91155&DisplayType=flat&setCookie=1

Share this post