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Is diamond plate passe?

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ScurvyPete

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Aug 19, 2013
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210
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Kentucky
I view it as the "tool guy" equivalent of Ed Hardy/Affliction t-shirts
AAAAAkpczAQAAAAAAD6SXA.jpg

In other words, tacky as hell.

The only diamond plate I would consider owning would be a UWS toolbox for my truck
 

Slickster76

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Sep 9, 2013
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Ohio
I was at the hardware store yesterday. I was looking at lighting on clearance. I thought I found a good light until I noticed it was diamond plate. I put it back on the shelf.
 

spotco2

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May 18, 2012
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NW Georgia
I've been over it for a while.

Trick tool boxes look ok sometimes. That's about the only thing though.

That stuff is slippery as snot when it's wet. What was it's original intended purpose?
 

NUTTSGT

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Northern Central Ohio
I've been over it for a while.

Trick tool boxes look ok sometimes. That's about the only thing though.

That stuff is slippery as snot when it's wet. What was it's original intended purpose?

The new stuff that is used on emergency vehicles is different and has good bite.
 

rlitman

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Oct 18, 2010
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Long Island
Floor of a trailer is its one and only use.

Or kick plates on a door. I really can't think of any others either.

It is kind of slippery (although some styles are more than others), but because of the raised texture, the "field" is more likely to stay shiny after use and abuse, so it tends to look better over time than plain metal in the same use.
 

AirJunky

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Dec 6, 2012
Messages
841
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Priest River, ID
The new stuff that is used on emergency vehicles is different and has good bite.

Maybe it's 5 bar diamond plate like this?

DP-5-bar-straight-grayscale-29.jpg


I have it on the fenders & steps on my 8 yr old boat trailer. Looks good & I've never done anything other than wash it or hose it off. But more importantly it's non-skid & tough so when a 250 lb guy stands on it, the fender doesn't buckle. :thumbup:

I have a neighbor who has DP in his garage as wainscoting. Looks pretty badass if you ask me. Especially with the Racedeck floor & 69 Camaro sitting in it.
 
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RogueFab

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Jun 27, 2013
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Oregon
I never cared for it. Ever. I chuckle whenever I see a truck covered in the stuff...

the door plates/sill covers make sense.

I think the stoneguard on the trailer I bought is diamond plate. Only piece I own.
 

justanengineer

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Apr 5, 2011
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7,722
Location
Motor City
Or kick plates on a door. I really can't think of any others either.

Personally I wouldnt, cleaning them is a PITA.

My folks have steel diamondplate fenders on their trailer. Admittedly the fenders are heavy gage bc theyre meant to be driven over. Not sure I see too many other good uses. Personally, I prefer the "extruded" aluminum standing on edge grating style pieces for steps/grip/traction.
 

stormlover

Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2013
Messages
13
Location
Flagstaff, AZ
Here's another functional application. I guess it's not as cool as I thought:dunno:
 

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Antique Engine

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Mar 6, 2008
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Azle Texas
Its all over my fire truck. Good stuff. Shiny, but good traction to stand on when its wet. Perfect use. What other material could you put on a high wear location of an emergency vehicle that looks good AND offers no slip grip ?
 

Steroblan

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Jan 31, 2012
Messages
259
Location
Northern Calif
Steel Diamond plate is highly functional as non-slip decking in industrial sites. Most thin aluminum diamond plate is decorative and has smooth edges on the diamonds so it is slick to walk on. I have some 5/16" aluminum DP that was made for and used as decking in a high moisture industrial plant. I made a welding trailer deck out of some.
 

Antique Engine

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Mar 6, 2008
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400
Location
Azle Texas
Dimple-died steel or aluminum plate looks great when its plated or anodized and is used on many vehicles for that exact purpose.

I can see that for some applications. I can also see where the holes in it wouldn't work either. As an example, there is a diamond plate walkway along the top of my engine body, down each side beside the hose bed. Dimple die holes would collect mud since its not open beneath it to allow it to be washed through to the ground.

I'm sure plenty of it is economy. The truck builder can buy sheets of diamond plate and cut it to fit any application with a plasma or shear. No layout of dimple die holes, no excessive labor. Just length by width and cut it and its ready to install in minutes.
 

Rust

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Nov 10, 2010
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The Path of Least Resistance
pas·sé, Is a term of vanity or fashion.

In that sense, yes. Like wallpaper it will be tiresome after a while.
But as a utilitarian material, no it will always have its place.
 

sloppy

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Mar 3, 2013
Messages
481
Location
Ohio
Seems to work pretty good in industry.. works allot better then sticky sandpaper stuck on steps that falls off after a month..
 

Bib Overalls

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Dec 4, 2006
Messages
3,318
Location
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Just got my "Genuine Hotrod Hardware, Inc." Christmas catalog. They are still offering diamond plate trash cans ($199.97), wall shelves ($79.97), and variously configured switch and outlet covers ($9.97 to $13.97).

That is nothing compared to what you can get from places like this:

http://www.mygaragestore.com/Aluminum-Diamond-Plate-Garage-Organization.aspx

Somehow, I think there will always be folks that think it is Kool.
 
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RivennHewn

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Jun 4, 2011
Messages
10,370
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PNW
Just got my "Genuine Hotrod Hardware, Inc." Christmas catalog. They are still offering diamond plate trash cans ($199.97), wall shelves ($79.97), and variously configured switch and outlet covers ($9.97 to $13.97).

That is nothing compared to what you can get from places like this:

http://www.mygaragestore.com/Aluminum-Diamond-Plate-Garage-Organization.aspx

Somehow, I think there will always be folks that think it is Kool.


I clicked the link, and cringed.

I guess for me it's the aluminum stuff that bugs me.

the steel stuff has it's place.
 
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