Is there any difference, other than cosmetic, between a high gloss chrome finish and a European style low gloss, given both are top notch manufacturers? Seems the low gloss might not peel as readily but I haven't seen any actual figures.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Finish prefrence
- Thread starter Mojave888
- Start date
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
I think it's all personal preference. I like the matte finish, better grip when hands are greasy, although a little more difficult to clean up before putting away
The durability of any chrome is dependent on the underlinings. Good copper and nickel base will give better service.
Stahwille is known to have chome peel among the Euro stuff but usually after heavy use. Other than that the Asains and the rest go from utter **** to the best I have ever seen.
Two ratchet wrenches (Kabo?) are polar opposites and came in the same package. One has 98% chrome peel and the other is still perfect. Both work fine yet. Go figure.
You never really know until you own them.
Stahwille is known to have chome peel among the Euro stuff but usually after heavy use. Other than that the Asains and the rest go from utter **** to the best I have ever seen.
Two ratchet wrenches (Kabo?) are polar opposites and came in the same package. One has 98% chrome peel and the other is still perfect. Both work fine yet. Go figure.
You never really know until you own them.
Local
Well-known member
I don't care but do like a satin or matte finish over polished chrome.
Dave455
Well-known member
There are actually quite a few different finishes available on European tools. Hazet, for example, use part polished and part matte. I like it , and it's very durable.
Stahlwille use 'satin' but it's a true satin, only a notch down in shine from a high gloss chrome, and very different from the U.S. tools I've seen in what is claimed to be satin, but in reality seem to have skipped the polishing before chroming! It's good too!
Gedore use a matte on some tools, which is o.k. and a finish I can only describe as 'dog rough' on others!
Given a choice of Polished Chrome, Satin or Matte, I'd be happy with any, subject to circumstances! Ask me to choose between polished and 'dog rough' and I'll take the polished!
I've seen most makes of chrome tool suffer from peeling given enough time and abuse, so if a tool is going to be used in that environment best stick to 'industrial' finish - that's why it exists! Otherwise, any decent makers chrome should hold up well, irrespective of finish!
Stahlwille use 'satin' but it's a true satin, only a notch down in shine from a high gloss chrome, and very different from the U.S. tools I've seen in what is claimed to be satin, but in reality seem to have skipped the polishing before chroming! It's good too!
Gedore use a matte on some tools, which is o.k. and a finish I can only describe as 'dog rough' on others!
Given a choice of Polished Chrome, Satin or Matte, I'd be happy with any, subject to circumstances! Ask me to choose between polished and 'dog rough' and I'll take the polished!
I've seen most makes of chrome tool suffer from peeling given enough time and abuse, so if a tool is going to be used in that environment best stick to 'industrial' finish - that's why it exists! Otherwise, any decent makers chrome should hold up well, irrespective of finish!
Last edited: