Fixing a Stinky Screwdriver

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their frustrating experience with an XC Lite screwdriver, infamous for its nauseating odor due to its PAB plastic emitting butyric acid. Despite attempts to neutralize the smell using a baking soda solution, the stench persisted. As a final solution, the creator removes the smelly handle entirely and successfully repurposes the screwdriver by attaching it to another tool. This unique project highlights the determination to overcome a quirky problem and offers advice for those dealing with similar issues, while humorously showcasing the unexpected challenges faced along the way.

Takeaways

• 🔧 The narrator bought a specific XC Light screwdriver to deal with proprietary screws on an IBM Model M keyboard.
• 🤢 The screwdriver smells like vomit due to the plastic material, likely PAB, which releases butyric acid over time.
• 🛠️ The narrator initially tries taping the screwdriver to block the smell, but it only reduces the odor slightly.
• 🧼 They attempt to clean the screwdriver and use a baking soda solution to neutralize the smell, which works temporarily but the bad odor returns.
• ⚗️ The chemical reaction creates sodium butyrate, which smells sweet at first but later reverts to its bad odor after exposure to air.
• 🧪 The narrator considers using sodium hydroxide but deems it too dangerous due to its caustic properties.
• ✂️ They ultimately decide to remove the screwdriver's handle entirely to eliminate the odor, noting how difficult the material is to cut through.
• 🔩 After removing the handle, they confirm the screwdriver still works for its intended purpose but plan to replace the handle with a non-smelly material, like wood.
• 🔨 The narrator improvises a temporary solution by attaching the screwdriver to a pistol-like tool for easier use.
• 💡 The narrator concludes by advising against buying XC Light screwdrivers unless necessary and reflects on the overall success of the project despite the challenges.

Q & A

What kind of screwdriver is the speaker referring to in the transcript?

The speaker is referring to an XC Light screwdriver, which is used for handling proprietary screws on an IBM Model M keyboard.

Why does the screwdriver have an unpleasant smell?

The screwdriver is made of a plastic material called PAB, which can emit butyric acid over time due to exposure to heat and moisture, causing it to smell like vomit.

What was the speaker's initial solution to the smell problem?

The speaker initially attempted to tape up the screwdriver handle to block the smell, but the smell still emitted from both the top and bottom of the screwdriver.

What cleaning method did the speaker attempt to remove the smell from the screwdriver?

The speaker used a baking soda and boiling water solution to try to neutralize the butyric acid causing the smell.

Did the baking soda and boiling water solution solve the smell issue?

No, while the solution temporarily made the screwdriver smell better, the smell returned after the solution stopped reacting, indicating that the method did not work.

What was the speaker’s next idea to fix the smelly screwdriver?

The speaker considered using sodium hydroxide, but decided against it due to safety concerns, as sodium hydroxide is highly caustic and can cause burns.

What final solution did the speaker decide on to solve the problem?

The speaker decided to remove the plastic handle entirely by chopping it off using various tools, as it was the source of the smell.

After removing the handle, what modification did the speaker make to continue using the screwdriver?

The speaker modified the screwdriver to fit into a pistol-like tool they had, effectively using the screwdriver shaft without the original handle.

Why does the speaker advise against buying XC Light screwdrivers?

The speaker advises against buying XC Light screwdrivers due to their tendency to emit a foul odor over time, which makes them unusable unless modified.

How does the speaker feel about the overall project of fixing the smelly screwdriver?

The speaker considers the project fairly successful despite not saving the handle. They were able to mechanically solve the issue by attaching the screwdriver shaft to another tool.