Parts Cleaning Tanks & Accessories

About Parts Cleaning Tanks & Accessories

Parts cleaning tanks and accessories are essential equipment for anyone who needs to remove grease, oil, carbon deposits, dirt, and grime from mechanical components, tools, and parts. Whether you're working on engine components, restoring automotive parts, servicing machinery, or cleaning spray guns and industrial equipment, a dedicated parts cleaning system delivers far superior results compared to manual scrubbing with solvents and rags. Our comprehensive range includes everything from compact ultrasonic cleaning tanks for delicate precision parts to heavy-duty floor-standing parts washers designed for workshop environments.

The selection at TooledUp.com features quality brands including Sealey and Draper, offering both solvent-based parts washers and ultrasonic cleaning tanks in various capacities. Solvent-based parts cleaning tanks typically use paraffin or specialised cleaning fluids to break down stubborn contamination, whilst ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that gently yet effectively clean intricate parts, threads, and hard-to-reach areas. Capacities range from compact 3-litre ultrasonic units ideal for smaller components up to 27-litre professional tanks suitable for larger workshops and busy commercial environments.

Beyond the tanks themselves, we stock a full range of parts cleaning accessories including replacement brushes, cleaning fluids, basket inserts, and adaptors to ensure your cleaning system operates at peak efficiency. Proper parts cleaning equipment not only saves time and effort but also extends the life of components by ensuring thorough removal of contaminants before reassembly or servicing.

Jargon Buster

Ultrasonic Cleaning

A cleaning method that uses high-frequency sound waves (typically 40kHz) to create millions of microscopic bubbles in a liquid solution. When these bubbles collapse (a process called cavitation), they create powerful cleaning action that reaches into threads, blind holes, and intricate geometries that manual cleaning cannot access.

Solvent-Based Parts Washer

A cleaning tank that uses liquid solvents such as paraffin, white spirit, or specialised degreasing fluids to dissolve oil, grease, and carbon deposits. These typically feature a pump system that circulates cleaning fluid through a flexible hose with a brush attachment.

Tank Capacity

The volume of cleaning fluid or solution the tank can hold, measured in litres. This determines the maximum size of parts you can clean and affects running costs and cleaning efficiency.

Immersion Cleaning

The process of fully submerging parts in cleaning solution, allowing the fluid to work on all surfaces simultaneously. This is particularly effective for complex components with multiple surfaces and recesses.

COSHH Compliance

Adherence to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, which govern the safe use, storage, and disposal of cleaning solvents and chemicals in UK workplaces.

Who Uses Parts Cleaning Tanks & Accessories?

Parts cleaning tanks are indispensable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Motor Mechanics and Auto Electricians – cleaning engine components, carburettors, brake parts, and electrical connections
• Agricultural Engineers – maintaining and servicing farm machinery and equipment parts
• Plant Fitters and Industrial Maintenance Teams – servicing hydraulic components, bearings, and industrial machinery
• Mobile Mechanics and Vehicle Restorers – preparing parts for restoration, rebuild, or powder coating
• Spray Painters and Vehicle Refinishers – cleaning spray guns, nozzles, and painting equipment
• Marine Engineers – maintaining boat engines, outboard motors, and marine equipment
• Motorcycle Mechanics and Enthusiasts – servicing bike components and restoring classic machines
• Manufacturing and Engineering Workshops – degreasing machined parts and preparing components for assembly
• Jewellers and Precision Engineers – using ultrasonic cleaners for delicate small parts and intricate components
• Tool Hire Companies – maintaining rental equipment to professional standards

How to Choose the Right Parts Cleaning Tanks & Accessories

Selecting the appropriate parts cleaning equipment depends on several important factors:

Tank Capacity and Size: Consider the largest parts you typically clean. A 3-litre ultrasonic tank suits carburettor components and small precision parts, whilst a 27-litre unit handles larger engine components. Floor-standing parts washers with 20-litre plus capacities are ideal for busy commercial workshops with regular heavy-duty cleaning requirements.

Cleaning Method: Ultrasonic cleaning tanks excel with intricate parts, threads, and delicate components where mechanical scrubbing might cause damage. They're perfect for carburettors, injectors, and precision engineering parts. Solvent-based parts washers with brush attachments are better suited for heavily contaminated larger components like engine blocks, gearbox casings, and tools where more aggressive cleaning action is needed.

Power Supply: Most units operate on standard 230V UK mains power with 13A plugs. Check the power consumption and ensure your workshop electrical supply can accommodate the equipment, particularly for larger heated ultrasonic tanks which may draw considerable current.

Portability vs. Permanent Installation: Portable parts washers like the Draper DPW3 are ideal for mobile mechanics or workshops with limited space, whilst floor-standing models provide greater stability and capacity for established workshop environments.

Material Compatibility: Ensure your chosen cleaning solution and method are compatible with the materials you're cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaning is safe for most metals but may not be suitable for some soft metals or plated finishes. Always check manufacturer guidance.

Running Costs: Factor in the cost of replacement cleaning fluids, solvents, and energy consumption. Ultrasonic tanks using water-based detergents often have lower running costs than solvent-based systems requiring regular fluid replacement.

Popular Accessories

• Parts Cleaning Brushes – various stiffness grades for manual scrubbing and reaching difficult areas
• Replacement Baskets and Inserts – keep parts organised and prevent damage during ultrasonic cleaning
• Cleaning Solvents and Detergents – paraffin, degreasing fluids, and specialised ultrasonic cleaning solutions
• Tank Adaptors and Conversion Kits – such as the Sealey adaptor for converting between different cleaning methods
• Flexible Hoses and Pump Attachments – for directing cleaning fluid precisely where needed
• Drip Trays and Work Mats – protect workshop floors and benches from spills and splashes
• Protective Gloves and Aprons – essential PPE when handling cleaning solvents and chemicals
• Waste Fluid Containers – for safe disposal of contaminated cleaning fluids in compliance with environmental regulations

Safety Information

Safe operation of parts cleaning equipment is essential to protect yourself and comply with HSE regulations:

COSHH Compliance: Many cleaning solvents are classified as hazardous substances. Ensure proper risk assessments are conducted, appropriate PPE is worn, and safety data sheets are accessible. Always work in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhalation of solvent vapours.

Fire Prevention: Solvent-based parts washers contain flammable liquids. Keep away from ignition sources, naked flames, and sparks. Ensure fire extinguishers rated for flammable liquid fires are readily available. Never smoke near parts cleaning equipment.

Electrical Safety: Ensure all electrical connections comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations. Never operate electrical cleaning equipment with wet hands or in damp conditions. Regularly inspect power cables for damage and ensure proper earthing of equipment.

Waste Disposal: Contaminated cleaning fluids and solvents must be disposed of as hazardous waste through licensed waste carriers. Never pour solvents down drains or into watercourses – this violates environmental protection legislation and carries substantial penalties.

Personal Protection: Always wear appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and protective aprons when handling cleaning solvents. Barrier cream can provide additional skin protection for prolonged exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between ultrasonic cleaning and solvent-based parts washers?

Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that implode and dislodge contamination, making them ideal for intricate parts, threads, and delicate components. Solvent-based parts washers use chemical action combined with mechanical brushing to remove heavy grease and grime from larger, robust parts. Ultrasonic cleaning is gentler and reaches areas brushes cannot, whilst solvent washers handle heavier contamination more aggressively.

Can I use any cleaning fluid in my parts cleaning tank?

No – always use fluids recommended by the manufacturer. Solvent-based washers typically use paraffin or specialised degreasers, whilst ultrasonic tanks may require specific water-based detergent solutions. Using incorrect fluids can damage seals, reduce cleaning effectiveness, create safety hazards, or void warranties. Check the equipment manual for approved cleaning solutions.

How often should I change the cleaning fluid?

This depends on usage intensity and contamination levels. As a general guide, solvent-based washers should have fluid changed when it becomes heavily contaminated or loses cleaning effectiveness – typically every 10-20 hours of use. Ultrasonic tank solutions should be changed when visibly dirty or when cleaning performance diminishes. Regular filtration can extend fluid life significantly.

Are ultrasonic cleaners safe for all metal parts?

Whilst ultrasonic cleaning is safe for most ferrous and non-ferrous metals including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and copper, some materials require caution. Soft metals, certain platings, and bonded assemblies may be affected by prolonged ultrasonic exposure. Always test unfamiliar parts on short cycles initially and avoid cleaning items with loose components that might detach during cavitation.

Do I need any special plumbing or drainage for a parts cleaning tank?

Most parts cleaning tanks are self-contained units requiring no permanent plumbing connections. They operate on standard 230V electrical supply and can be positioned on suitable benches or floors. However, you will need appropriate facilities for safely disposing of contaminated fluids as hazardous waste – never dispose of solvents through standard drainage systems. Adequate ventilation is essential, particularly for solvent-based systems.