Thread: Cheap tools for razor restoration

All items pictured are very useful if there are no other methods.

The small buffing wheel on the high speed drill is a good trick even for someone who is not slumming.

Originally Posted by JP5

I live in a 1 BR apartment and I'm between jobs, so $$ is tight. Some of these I have read about here or on other sites. If I don't mention using something personally, then I can't say for sure how well it works.


I bought a Frisbee at Walmart for a $1 (probably at dollar store too) to put my water stone in (which I got cheap because it was cracked).

I don't have a 'lapping stone' (I think that is what they're called). I either put sandpaper on a flat countertop or wrap sandpaper around my Arkansas oilstone to flatten the stone or make a slurry.



Higher amp drill if you don't have a bench polisher/buffer.

File cleaner instead of polishing wheel rake (for cleaning reshaping wheel).

Swivel head pin vices can be bought for under $10. I know at least one member uses one to drill out pins so they can save washer/collars (which also saves $$).

Bump.....for new folks

Great thread! Thanks for the idea about the hair curlers. I really like using the electric tooth brush, and micro mesh although a bit expensive at first lasts a very long time if used gently. I've over looked the second-hand stores! I'll be heading there today! With a list of what to look for...
Thanks again this makes me happy!

Originally Posted by MikeT

Great thread! Thanks for the idea about the hair curlers. I really like using the electric tooth brush, and micro mesh although a bit expensive at first lasts a very long time if used gently. I've over looked the second-hand stores! I'll be heading there today! With a list of what to look for...
Thanks again this makes me happy!

Ultra sonic cleaner and a lug of evapo rust will work wonders for u

Originally Posted by whoever

Ultra sonic cleaner and a lug of evapo rust will work wonders for u

I'm not familiar with ultra sonic cleaners, I have a Hornady gunshell cleaner with walnut and also corn grounds. I'll look the evapo rust up, where do you get it? Do the ultra sonic cleaners and gunshell cleaners serve equally?

Originally Posted by MikeT

I'm not familiar with ultra sonic cleaners, I have a Hornady gunshell cleaner with walnut and also corn grounds. I'll look the evapo rust up, where do you get it? Do the ultra sonic cleaners and gunshell cleaners serve equally?

Ultrasonics I litre at Harbor freight.
The brass tumbler you have is a good one but only a couple blades at a time.
~Richard

Okay I think I'll get one, did a bit of reading. One question: what should I NOT use the ultra sonic cleaner on?

Originally Posted by MikeT

Okay I think I'll get one, did a bit of reading. One question: what should I NOT use the ultra sonic cleaner on?

Jewelry.will work the stones against the mountings and they will loosen over time.
I have a small Branson I use all time.

Also, if you can, use the plastic basket at all times. I have an earlier model without one. Rubbing on the stainless steel tank will wear the plating off a DE very quickly
For oft used solutions eg. soap, vinegar, water, I put them into gallon plastic bag and have a little water in the Ultrasonic to bring the level up to the line when i put in the bag of solution and the razor/s in it to hum.
Saves dumping and refilling every time I change solutions.
~Richard