How does Chrome flaking occur on tools ?

[Hush 74 1985]

Hello Everyone

I have noticed some people bring the issue of chrome flaking occurring on sockets and tools alike. What exactly causes chrome to start flaking ? And is there any another material that is less prone to flaking.




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[5ktq]

One is some sort of manufacturing defect, where the plating layers don't adhere correctly.

Other way would be chrome cracking from abuse (chrome is harder than the underlying steel, so when the steel yields the chrome cracks).

 

[rijndael]

Another way is if the chrome is nicked, you can get corrosion under it, much like paint on a car.

 

[DEMAYO]

I have 2 Craftsman "paintbrush" 60T (?) 1/2" ratchets from US production. One is fine with just usage scuffs and whatnot, the other has bubbling/flaking chrome with rust underneath on the handle. Sort of sanded it off.

Must be a finishing issue.

Disappointed about it but not worth trying to warranty.

Isn't that chrome's job, to resist rusting from changes in climate?

 

[5ktq]

Sort of, chrome is kind of weird that way. So a galvanized thing, zinc is more reactive than steel, and sacrifices itself to protect the steel. (so eventually, when all the zinc has been used up, the steel does rust).

Chrome, (and nickel, copper, lead, tin, etc) are less reactive than steel, and only work as a barrier. once the plating is damaged it actually makes the steel rust more than had it been bare, as the steel sacrifices itself to save the less reactive plating.

Something like that, anyway.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I notice it a lot on all the old snap on stuff I found. SK chrome stays the nicest for longest from my stuff. Even some of those are rough thought.
Then again most of the snap on stuff I got it's probably 70's.

 

[Boneebone]

Using chrome on a impact gun can and will eventually cause the chrome to crack and flake off.

 

[Mr_B]

I notice it a lot on all the old snap on stuff I found. SK chrome stays the nicest for longest from my stuff. Even some of those are rough thought.
Then again most of the snap on stuff I got it's probably 70's.

Snapon chrome tends chip a lot in heavy used areas of wrench jaws, ring edge and socket leading edge. very thick plating and is troublesome if gets bad .
Heavy stress points on the chrome with hardened fasteners going take a toll over the years.
when bad it can be plating defect.
Had Koken 1/4 sockets that chipped and flaked bad, replaced under warranty but replacement could do swapping out again .
stahlwille and some very old draper japan sockets in long term review of chrome about best out of tools I own and seen, the plating on stahlwille almost seem one with main tool alloy and tends wear away in extreme use over flaking and only my most used 3 decades plus common size wrenches have some open jaw tip chipping .


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