Tool Review: Lisle Carbide Scrapers, Nos. 81990, 81810, and 81960

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Q: How did the tools function as far as saving your time?

A: All three carbide scrapers can be considerable time savers depending on how they are being used. When used for descaling work, they are 100 times faster than wire brushing and even powered wire brushes. Removing gasket material on steel or cast parts is faster than traditional tools. While they do an excellent job cleaning aluminum parts, there should be more time taken to prevent damage to the surface.

Q: How was their packaging?

A: The display cards had a drawing of the tool and a paragraph, in three languages, that explained their intended purpose on the front. On the back of these cards, there was another larger drawing with some warnings and another paragraph about suggested uses, along with how the tool is made. While all three sizes came with a thick silicon cover on the cutting edge, they don’t look or feel like they are intended to stay with them. Call it an accessory if you want, I’m still reusing mine. 

Q: Was there a manual included?

A: No, I wouldn't think one is needed.

Q: What features did you like?

A: I liked the feel of the grip, how sharp the scrapping edges were, and the overall length of them. Each of them had four edges that will scrape. They don’t seem to need sharpening or re-edging. They’re made in the U.S.A! 

Q: What features didn't you like?

A: Over time, the grips did come loose and needed attention to stop them from moving.

Q: What kind of jobs/repairs did you use these tools for?

A: To date, I have used them to clean gasket material from rear differential housings and covers. The carbide scrapers are one upped by only a wire wheel or surface conditioning disc but are less messy. I have been using them to remove pesky sealants from sealing joints like those found doing timing chains on Ford 5.4L engines. I also used them during brake service work. They are great at removing scale/rust from pad stands and backing plates.

Q: Have you used a previous version of these tools?

A: Yes, I have owned a carbide scraper for many years. Anyone remember when Fel-Pro was giving them away? Lisle’s carbide scrapers have a flat profile whereas Fel-Pro doesn’t. The cutter is attached to the handles by a welding process and not a mechanical one. These also have four good edges, and the Fel-Pro only has three. 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to these tools?

A: Putting a ruffed up surface or edge on the grip sections would do wonders for putting an end to grip slip. Also having smaller widths for cleaning out grooves such as 1/4”, 1/2”, and 1/8”. I would be interested in having an adjustable locking angle of attack capability. It would also be interesting to have a single handle with interchangeable heads. 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?

A: Can I rate them at 100? All of the Lisle carbide scrapers are solid in both form and function. They are useful in a variety of applications, they speed up work, and are handy as heck to boot.