knurling a socket extension

[Kirbot]

Black89LX posted a topic asking about knurling extensions, so I thought I would give it a try.

I have a bunch a of cheapy no-name 1/2" extensions so I tried it with one of them.

I forgot to take pictures while it was in the lathe, but here's the before and after.



I took a fine finishing cut before knurling to take off the chrome.


It came out pretty well, I think I might do it to some more of them.

 

[CD360]

That looks pretty cool. Nice job!

 

[Farmrod]

any plans to keep it from rusting?

 

[Kirbot]

It will be handled often enough that I don't think rust will be a problem.

As soon as it starts to rust, handling it will wear it right off.

 

[Infidel]

Another good alternative is to bead/sand blast the area of the extension/ratchet you want a better grip on. I have done this to a few ratchets and some extensions and it makes a excellent alternative to knurling and doesn't remove the chrome (if you don't blast to much.) You can tape off the areas you don't want textured and it works perfect. it makes a very non-slip grip even when fully covered in oil. IT also gives it a matte chrome finish.

 

[shampoop]

How did you do that? I really wish my snapon 3/8 locking impact extensions had knurling like that. I use them ALL the time, especially the 6", so rust wouldn't be an issue either.

 

[Kirbot]

I'll do another one tomorrow and take more pictures.

I used a metal lathe and a knurling tool.

 

[Farmrod]

where can i pick up one of these knurling tools?

Chris

 

[mcdtommy23]

I did something similar with some no-name extensions a few months ago. I mainly wanted to learn how to use the lathe. Mine turned out a little too fine and catch the fuzzies off any cloth used to clean them. No rust yet!

 

[Kirbot]

I used the one that came in this set.

I bought mine from CDCOtools.com

I don't know how familiar you are with machine tools, but that is a quickchange tool post.
The knurling tool is the bottom one on the left.
You need a metal lathe to use it.

 

[Kirbot]

I did something similar with some no-name extensions a few months ago. I mainly wanted to learn how to use the lathe. Mine turned out a little too fine and catch the fuzzies off any cloth used to clean them. No rust yet!

You could go over them with the knurling tool again, but with much more pressure.
The fine knurling on it wont have much affect on doing it again.

 

[mcdtommy23]

I'd love to have a quick change, but my budget won't allow it right now. I'm stuck with the old school rocker post.

 

[Kirbot]

I don't know what size lathe you have, but i'm guessing the BXA size would work.
CDCO sells them for about $90.

Get one as soon as you can, even the cheap ones are FAR better than a lantern post.
I sold mine after getting the quickchange.


Btw, for a heavy load like knurling, you really need to work as close to the chuck as possible. That inch or so space between the knurling and the chuck will really make a difference.

 

[s_ontario]

looks nice and all but.. Dumb question why did you want it knurled

 

[OccupantRJ]

I did something similar with some no-name extensions a few months ago. I mainly wanted to learn how to use the lathe. Mine turned out a little too fine and catch the fuzzies off any cloth used to clean them. No rust yet!

If you will power wire brush the knurl, it will reduce the fuzzy grab.

RJ

 

[Kirbot]

looks nice and all but.. Dumb question why did you want it knurled

Same reason I like ratchets with thumb wheels.

So I can turn it by hand easier.

 

[mcdtommy23]

I don't know what size lathe you have, but i'm guessing the BXA size would work.
CDCO sells them for about $90.

Get one as soon as you can, even the cheap ones are FAR better than a lantern post.
I sold mine after getting the quickchange.


Btw, for a heavy load like knurling, you really need to work as close to the chuck as possible. That inch or so space between the knurling and the chuck will really make a difference.

I've got a Motgomery Wards/Logan 2xx series 10*24 give or take.

 

[Kirbot]

I've got a Motgomery Wards/Logan 2xx series 10*24 give or take.

Thats about the same size as mine. (Atlas 10" x 18")

In that case I would use the same toolpost that I did, the AXA.

http://cdcotools.com/
Go to "machine tooling" and "lathe tooling" and it's the second one listed.
$78

One of these days I'm picking up a 14" X 30" Hendey lathe, but for now, the little atlas does the job.

 

[mcdtommy23]

That is a fantastic price! Cheapest that I have ever seen. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Kirbot]

I spent a lot of time looking around before I bought mine, and your right.
Thats where I bought mine, and there by far the cheapest.

Your welcome!

 

[Black89LX]

thanks for posting, this is really cool.. and pretty much what I was wondering.. if anyone has tried it/how it turned out.

just wondering why you knurled it on the end and not the shank?

 

[A_Pmech]

Looks good!

 

[Kirbot]

thanks for posting, this is really cool.. and pretty much what I was wondering.. if anyone has tried it/how it turned out.

just wondering why you knurled it on the end and not the shank?

No real reason, I was going to knurl both, but I kind of ran out of time.

I did some more knurling today, and made a dissapointing discovery.
I tried to knurl a craftsman socket, but I could hardly make a mark in it.
The steel is so much harder, my little Atlas lathe just wouldn't do it.

I expect craftsman extension would have the same result.

Once I get my big lathe set up, and a better quality knurling tool, I'll try again.
But for now, the only knurling I'll be doing is on cheap/soft stuff.

Here's another extension I did today.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

that is very cool. makes me wish i still had access to a lathe.