Composition of difference types of steel

[Hush 74 1985]

Having acquired different types of sockets, how is chrome vanadium steel different to that of chrome alloy steel.

Stahlwille sockets make use of chrome alloy sockets as far as I know. However most sockets tend to made from chrome vanadium.

Does chrome alloy offer better strength that vanadium. If so wouldn’t more companies start making sockets out of chrome alloy than chrome vanadium.


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[6PTsocket]

Having acquired different types of sockets, how is chrome vanadium steel different to that of chrome alloy steel.

Stahlwille sockets make use of chrome alloy sockets as far as I know. However most sockets tend to made from chrome vanadium.

Does chrome alloy offer better strength that vanadium. If so wouldn’t more companies start making sockets out of chrome alloy than chrome vanadium.


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You are comparing apples and oranges. An alloy steel is any of a number of other metals that are added to steel to give it desired properties. Virtually all steel has any number of metals added, including chrome and vanadium. Alloy steel is a meaningless statement. Vanadium and chrome are commonly found in sockets to make them harder but it does increase brittleness so there is the endles argument over whether inpact sockets are best made with that combination or chrome and molybdinum. There are so many other factors that go into making steel and forging sockets that any statemements about metel content are just advertising and you are better off buying a reputable brand and not worry about the metallurgy.

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[Tallpilot]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alloy_steel

This question comes up here fairly often and has no definitive answer. There are some standard alloy compositions but most tool manufacturers claim to use a proprietary blend. Even with destructive testing in a well equipped lab it can be difficult to divine the exact blend and process used.

Which socket is strongest, has the tightest tolerance on the broaching, has the best holding detent, etc has been debated endlessly here with no real conclusions. Buy the sockets with the features you prefer from any of the reputable companies (including a few in Taiwan) and they will serve you well and last a long time.

Decent made sockets rarely break; extensions are more likely to break and should be sourced from a higher quality manufacturer. Reducers are the most likely to break so try to avoid using them and keep a few of each size in stock just in case they are necessary to MacGyver something into a tight clearance area because that is when Murphey will show up and it will shear in half.

Wamsutta will be in here shortly to explain why Snap-on is the only good socket and everything else is complete junk and a waste of your money.

 

[Gmonkee]

Apply the qualities of the alloy to the application of the product.

Train tracks need to turn corners and absorb huge tonnage of dynamic load. A bit of flex is good here. But not springy flex.

Springs need to return to a form after flexing. Hardness is the bad.

Wrenches need to be rigid but not brittle like glass. Resistance to cracking is important.

Multiple alloys can achieve each goal withr the propet temper. multiple types of metals can br made into usable tools. Light weight, rust resistant, sparkless and of course for sheer brute force. Do you need it to bend before it breaks?

Choose your needs and three different options may be presented to meet the goal. All will be alloys of metals.

 

[Spacey_G]

I'd like to see a type of steel that's not an alloy...

 

[jsmeece]

I'd like to see a type of steel that's not an alloy...

Steel by definition is an alloy.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

I'd like to see a type of steel that's not an alloy...

I think there's a legal distinction between alloy steel and carbon steel. Tools marked "alloy steel" should be made from more than simple carbon steel.

 

[Gmonkee]

I have some iron tools and some tin tools. Neither come close to a steel wrench in use. Carbon steel was a big step up for tools. Stamped steel maybe not as usable as forged tools.

Fancy alloy steel made the next step up reducing wear and weight. Add in tempering advances and it comes to price per ton to make good usable tools. If one trace metal becomes too costly or unobtainable another alloy mix could be used without most consumers ever knowing. The quality of the finished product would be the same.