Where to Get Black finish Tools

[CaptinCrash]

Well the title says it all who makes black tools

[Uncle Buck]

I think Proto, Snap-on, Armstrong, or perhaps Williams. I know several of those have in the past sold those and you could check the others.

[wrenchr]

hholmberg is right on, I know snap on has been discontinuing the line thru the years. But they still produce the standard ratchets in industrial finish and the extensions. They use to offer complete sets in this finish.

[JB740i]

I think stanley has some I've seen at HD

[timgr]

Aren't black tools 'black oxide' finish? Not terrific in terms of corrosion resistance - I'd expect them to rust in a humid environment. Chromium or nickel plate is much better ... though maybe it isn't as cool :cool: as black.

[Uncle Buck]

Aren't black tools 'black oxide' finish? Not terrific in terms of corrosion resistance - I'd expect them to rust in a humid environment. Chromium or nickel plate is much better ... though maybe it isn't as cool :cool: as black.

Very true regarding corrosion resistance, but then again if it is kept greasy enough he may not need much! :wtf:

[Merkava_4]

Yeah, they gotta be kept oiled down to prevent corrosion.

You guys forgot about Cornwell. ;)

[DiStOrTiOn]

They also sell 'black chrome' stuff. I've only seen it on the Stanley/Husky ratchet sets so far. It's the same tool, but in shiny black chrome instead of regular.

[64merc]

I know there are a few experts out there (Merkava_4) so I have a question about the resale value of black oxide tools. Do they typically go for less than chrome finished tools on ebay (used of course)? If so, about what percentage lower? Thanks

[chevy302dz]

I'm not sure how much of Snap On's line is available in black chrome, but I have seen a torque wrench in that finish.

[wk96]

Black Oxide is a tough coating that actually is absorbed in the metal. I worked for a tool manufacturer in NE Ohio and they used it for almost everything. Some of the customers were Klein, SK, Snap On, Sears, Channel Lock, and Matco. Very durable finish.


wk96 :beer:

[Rickster]

I know Cornwell and Williams make them, I have some!

[Merkava_4]

so I have a question about the resale value of black oxide tools. Do they typically go for less than chrome finished tools on ebay (used of course)? If so, about what percentage lower?

I typically see brand new black oxide wrenches for auction on eBay that sell for about the same price as the used chrome version of the same size and series; so if you're someone who actually prefers the black oxide finish, you can get some real good deals on them. :)

[Theo]

Black Oxide or Industrial Finish is useful in environments where FOD (Foreign Object Damage) is a concern. The chrome plating could flake off a tool and get into a component where it could do some damage.

Some auto manufacturers also mandate the use of "Black" tools as part of their environmental policy. I am only aware of the policy, and not the tech behind it so I can't provide any details.

[Merkava_4]

I've got an old PROTO catalog that designates a whole set of black oxide tools to be the railroad repairman's set; I never could figure that one out. :headscrat

[64merc]

I've got an old PROTO catalog that designates a whole set of black oxide tools to be the railroad repairman's set; I never could figure that one out. :headscrat

This reminds me of something I was thinking about the other day. I noticed that most, if not all, of the "spud" wrenches I see are black oxide and not chrome. This might be for the same reason that the railroad set is black oxide. My thinking is that they are meant to be abused (dropped, used at hammers, alignment of bolt holes, etc.) so chrome would not hold up. My biggest pet peeve is seeing a nice wrench or ratchet with chrome chipping off.

[Uncle Buck]

This reminds me of something I was thinking about the other day. I noticed that most, if not all, of the "spud" wrenches I see are black oxide and not chrome. This might be for the same reason that the railroad set is black oxide. My thinking is that they are meant to be abused (dropped, used at hammers, alignment of bolt holes, etc.) so chrome would not hold up. My biggest pet peeve is seeing a nice wrench or ratchet with chrome chipping off.

I have never seen a chrome spud wrench as well.

[rsanter]

several places where I have worked had some quality brand tools, but they were in black finish. I am not sure that they were concerned about the flaking crome, but I would imagine that they were buying them because they were a little less than the crome version.
to me I would pay only half as much for a black tool as I would the crome tool because of the added upkeep to prevent rust. Ok, its really because I am a guy and I like shiney things. just remember that when choosing the girl to ask out, its the looks that generally decide the first date.

I have a couple of new black 7/16 combo wrenched is anyone is interested

bob

[wrenchr]

I have never seen a chrome spud wrench as well.

Ebay all of the time.

[wrenchr]

Ignore previous post I'm not awake yet.

[timgr]

I'd expect you could revitalize rusty black oxide tools with a little Naval Jelly. Might be a way to get some bargains.