black oxide

[a52-830]

so, i have usually associated "black" tools with impact uses, like sockets or "slugging" wrenches.

but now it seems like i am regularly seeing "black oxide" tools that dont appear to be for that kinds of service, like this, as an example:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121556080890

why would i want black oxide instead of, say, polished chrome? i have read talk of "keeping them oiled" and "better rust resistance". . . . . is there more upkeep to these than wiping them down when you are doing with them?

i understand that there might be military uses for non-reflective wrenches . . . . . but i would think that making standard duty tools in black oxide is a recipe for problems down the road . . . .

 

[bob15]

No chrome to flake off in high critical areas (jet engine assembly).

Also, many people won't steal it because it isn't chrome. Some like chrome tools, others satin finish and other still, like black oxide; all personal preference.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Chrome is slick I wonder if black oxide is less slick


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[Dave455]

Chrome is one finish, black oxide another, both have their advantages!

One reason not to chrome is shortage of materials. I have British made tools from the 40's and 50's that were never chromed, and using them has taught me that the quality of the steel and the way it's heat treated is far more important than the finish! Wipe down after use and they've never rusted!

Other reasons might be cost. If funds were tight I'd rather have a top quality tool in a plain black finish than a cheap tool with equally cheap chrome! The former will last well, the later don't!

Some industries don't like chrome. Either because of the fasteners they are using, or the environment!

Personal preference is an issue too. Some folks simply don't care for chrome. If they scuff or dent their tools they like to be able to file or polish out the damage.

There is something to be said for the last approach. I have a number of Garrington (old British make) adjustable wrenches. They're all old, and have all seen a lot of service. Where the chrome ones have a few dents and nicks in the jaws I just have to live with it, but with the plain ones I've been able to file out the damage and the tools are like new!

 

[Ainsley]

I love the feel of the Proto black oxide ratchets, extensions, and wrenches I have.

 

[Pitalplace]

I have a set of the old Williams black oxide that I use as my go to wrench. I don't know exactly why but I would rather use them. When finished they are wiped off and put in the drawer. I have never oiled them but it might be a good idea. They are on the right and sorry as this photo makes them look more glossy than they are.

 

[Dave455]

Pitalplace - those are superb looking tools!

I have Williams socket wrenches and accessories that were acquired by my Grandfather during the war. I guess they were black oxide originally but now look similar to your wrenches! Really good durable tools!

These older Williams tools were very high quality items - chrome or not!

 

[ttpete]

Snap-On makes many tools in both chrome and black oxide. They call it "industrial finish"

 

[T45]

Black oxide is usually for FOD or politics-related when in government service. Performance is excellent, usually trades at a bit of a discount pricewise tho. Need to keep an eye on them if you have poor lighting in your shope. They have a matte feel, not slick at all. Keep them CLEAN as dirt traps water, and maybe less obvious on a darker tool.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I have Blue Point wrenches from the '30s-early '40s and I have the same late-'40s wrenches from the same dies stamped Snap-on. Interestingly, in the beginning, the Blue Point were not polished and had some sort of dull plating over the rough as-forged surface. A few years later, they were matte-polished shanks and full-polished plated heads, then, they became Snap-on. Over the years, the Snap-on chromies got full-polished shanks, got slicker and became the standard of excellence. Know what? They don't function any better than the eighty-six-year-old Blue Points I keep in my basement box.

My main box has Snap-on industrial finish inch DBE/DOE/combos and when I needed metric combinations, I bought the industrial finish just because.

jack vines

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I have Blue Point wrenches from the '30s-early '40s and I have the same late-'40s wrenches from the same dies stamped Snap-on. Interestingly, in the beginning, the Blue Point were not polished and had some sort of dull plating over the rough as-forged surface. A few years later, they were matte-polished shanks and full-polished plated heads, then, they became Snap-on. Over the years, the Snap-on chromies got full-polished shanks, got slicker and became the standard of excellence. Know what? They don't function any better than the eighty-six-year-old Blue Points I keep in my basement box.

My main box has Snap-on industrial finish inch DBE/DOE/combos and when I needed metric combinations, I bought the industrial finish just because. Interestingly, the later production industrial finish has a much rougher matte finish than my '70s inch industrials.

jack vines

 

[theoldwizard1]

Also, many people won't steal it because it isn't chrome.

Production line.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I prefer black oxide finishes. When I ordered my NWS pliers and wire stripper I wanted the white/red handles with the black oxide finish, but they were out so I had to get the chrome finish with gray/yellow handles.

 

[6PTsocket]

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong but all black tools are not black oxide. I had a set of Bonney wrenches at work that were black but had a polished finish. Isn't there something they call black chrome? I really liked them. Too bad Bonney is gone

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[lilcraigford]

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong but all black tools are not black oxide. I had a set of Bonney wrenches at work that were black but had a polished finish. Isn't there something they call black chrome? I really liked them. Too bad Bonney is gone

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Yes, black chrome is a thing. Stanley, Stanley/Bostitch, Crescent and Husky are a few names that have tool sets advertised with a black chrome finish. Here is a Husky set for example:

Another common black finish used on tools is black phosphate. Then, beyond tools, there is also black nickel plating, black zinc plating and so on.

 

[6PTsocket]

Thanks.

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[yhprum]

Black oxide is good, you can re do it at home too.

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I ran a quick oil change business years ago. We bought black oxide tools because we would paint them so they were color coded for the bay they came from.

 

[leg17]

Black oxide is cheaper and more dependable than chrome.
Usually found in industrial settings.
Not enough difference to matter to the individual.

 

[winlinmac]

Imagine the contrast when placing black oxide tools into a drawer lined with black drawer liners. It will be difficult for many to find what they're looking for unless they have a good light source. For many, a garage setting in most cases is poorly lit. Most settle for chrome / satin as its easier to distinguish.

I still like black oxide wrenches. Never need to worry about scratches, or getting it cleaned up. Its relatively easier to manage than those wrenches which are chrome plated. I'd rather own black oxide and satin finish wrenches over the chrome-plated type, but the majority overall availability of available hand tools for DIY-consumers (ratchets and wrenches) appear to be plated with chrome.

 

[Citation]

Yes, black chrome is a thing. Stanley, Stanley/Bostitch, Crescent and Husky are a few names that have tool sets advertised with a black chrome finish. Here is a Husky set for example:

Another common black finish used on tools is black phosphate. Then, beyond tools, there is also black nickel plating, black zinc plating and so on.

The black Husky tools are actually painted/powder coated. It's a horrible finish. Not at all durable. Too bad as they are otherwise good value wrenches. I've heard mixed things about Stanley's black chrome but I believe it is at least actually chrome.

 

[Sine Swept]

If you drop a chromed tool into an engine bay, it is usually easy to spot with a flashlight!

That would be my reason for not using them, at least where they could be lost.

 

[Derek420]

The Stanley black chrome I have and husky comes off like black oxide does on impacts, if you use it enough, it's not same as regular chrome and about loosing tools in engine bay and garage that's 2 reasons they, are called industrial finish because they are made for factories, not us mechanics but they look cool and do the job and don't matter as long as your careful with them.