Finish on Snap-on tools.

[greenreese]

Recently I have purchased a couple tools in which the finish has been off. I have a bunch of these-

and the gold finish looks just like that and they are great. I just got a couple more (a extra long 6mm and a 3mm) which have a brighter finish. Like this-

The finish on these is no where near as good as the duller colored ones. It flakes right off.

I also got one of these-

and the chrome finish was flaking while still in the package(it was in a set but I only got two from the set as the other two were already taken). I could peel the chrome off with razor. The first time I used it, the tip twisted. I have a bigger flat head and a couple phillips which are just fine. Obviously I'll ask my dealer about this next week, but just wondering if any of you guys have seen this too?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

All my TiN coated bits are like the first one, it wears off on the surfaces that touch though.

 

[Flash21]

I have come to realize that quality defects get out of every factory. No tool company seems to be immune.

Snap-On should swap it out, no problem.

 

[greenreese]

All my TiN coated bits are like the first one, it wears off on the surfaces that touch though.

I have five of the dull ones and sure the finish wears down with use, but the two bright ones I have were flaking new.

 

[HandyManny]

Pretty sad when chrome flakes off in the package before even being touched. As far as dull oxide or coated finished go, they will wear off pretty fast depending on the frequency of use and handling, and depending on the Ph acid balance of your finger prints or palm sweat.

 

[Vinko]

Have you guys noticed that the chrome on the the newer breaker bars and ratchets aren't as nice as the the old ones? Maybe it's just me. I'm not an expert. I have talked to some plating guys in Los Angeles, and they say that because of environmental regs., it's harder to do certain things that were more common even 20 years ago. Maybe it's Southern California, which I understand has all sorts of new regs already here and coming.

 

[BackTracker]

A friend of mine has the set of screwdrivers and snapped a few tips...

 

[Merkava_4]

The first time I used it, the tip twisted.

Can you post the part number of that screwdriver?

 

[greenreese]

I believe it is SGD304BR. I'll check at work today.

 

[1loudsuv]

Can you post the part number of that screwdriver?

better yet pics

 

[billymade]

The Snap-On videos on Youtube show the "how its made" segments; they mention a chrome plating process; two platings: nickel and "trivalent" chrome plating. Some articles on the web mention; hexavalent chrome plating... was this the more traditional method that the environmental agencies are trying to eliminate?

Here are some interesting links:

looks like something of a "white paper" about trivalent chrome process and the environmental benefits vs. older processes
http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/p2tech/TriChromeFinal.pdf

The wikipedia section on chrome; has a revealing little tidbit about trivalent processes; it brings some insight into what we are seeing with this newer environmental friendly process:

"Trivalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromium sulfate or chromium chloride. Trivalent chromium baths are not yet common, due to restrictions concerning color, brittleness, and plating thickness."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrome_plating

Another quote I found on the web:

"Trivalent Nickel/Chrome Plating:
Traditional chrome finishes are hexavalent ions while dissolved in the plating bath. Trivalent chrome baths have been developed to be more environmentally friendly than hexavalent chrome. As a result, trivalent chrome is compliant with the new European RoHS/WEEE regulations. Trivalent chrome cannot be plated to the same thicknesses as hexavalent chrome, (emphases mine) but can be applied to over 12 micro-inches thick. The new trivalent bathes are virtually indistinguishable in appearance from hexavalent chrome. For many of these reasons, trivalent chrome is gaining acceptance for many applications, even in the automotive and motorcycle industries."

A good google search results in allot of good hits;
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q="trivalent"+chrome+plating&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Would love to hear from someone on here that understands this new process but from this quick google search I am seeing these characteristics of trivalent chrome:

positives:
1. environmentally friendly
2. looks similar to earlier less environmentally friendly processes
3. meets new tough euro/usa environmental impact standards

negatives:
1. cannot be applied as thick as earlier processes
2. characteristics include brittleness
3. not as durable a finish: Trivalent tends to scratch and abrade more easily than hexachrome
4. higher production costs; But, the overall reduction in wastewater costs, regulatory compliance and health and safety cost avoidance may help make up the difference.

 

[HandyManny]

Have you guys noticed that the chrome on the the newer breaker bars and ratchets aren't as nice as the the old ones? Maybe it's just me. I'm not an expert. I have talked to some plating guys in Los Angeles, and they say that because of environmental regs., it's harder to do certain things that were more common even 20 years ago. Maybe it's Southern California, which I understand has all sorts of new regs already here and coming.

I hear people on this forum rant about how a great many tools these days are now being made in Asia. Nothing is being made here anymore to the high quality standards that once existed.

Evere wonder exactly why that is??? Ever wonder about the other big reason for this????

You hit the nail square on the head with your post I quoted

EPA and environmental whackos are the other big reason for this shift of production and outsourcing. Thank the green movement for doing their part to destroy America.