Cleaning tap and dies

[JMcanoe]

I picked up an assortment of tap and dies as part of an auction purchase. Many of them need to have a mix of oil and crud cleaned off, but thankfully no rust. I'm considering using mineral spirits, brake cleaner or liquid wrench penetrating oil to remove the accumulated gunk. Any recommendations?

 

[Mike Davis]

Leave it until you need to use one, then clean just that one. No rust is a good thing.

 

[bob vaughan]

Mike makes a wise point. That oil and crud is a rust preventative film. If there is debris in the teeth, a tooth brush usually gets them clean, but that may invite rust again.