Letter stamping on sockets

[hairtrigger]

I have a complete set of craftsman easy-to-read sockets, all drive sizes, standard, deep, metric, inch. I can see this etching is not going to last long, especially how I'm going to be using them. So, I'd like to stamp the sizes into the sockets using a stamp punch set (maybe my initials too).

My question is: would this affect the integrity of the socket itself or damage the plating causing rust? They're not solid smooth plated like some other brands; the outside is rather smooth but the inside of the wells are kinda crappy and burred from the factory. I'm scared that if I stamp thru the plating it's just going to cause it to start flaking, or maybe rust in that area.

Also not sure about compromising the metal integrity. I've broke my share of sockets, some of them snap on brand. They seem to just split down the middle and the whole thing breaks in half. Seems like stamping would just weaken the metal somehow.

Any other suggestions?

 

[toolmaker1]

It will compromise the chrome/nickel plating and cause rust issues. If it were me I would just live with the factory marking.

 

[930dreamer]

People have put their initials on tools for years, it won't do any damage.

 

[hairtrigger]

They should call these "hard to read" sockets. The etching is barely there. Looks exactly like the Stanley easy to read sockets they're selling in walmart. Exact quality, too.

 

[Outlawmws]

Mebbe a clear coat of some type? Sure the CC will wear/chip, but should make the L. Etch last longer.

 

[rlitman]

I don't think you'd be able to use a steel stamp to leave a significant impression on a socket. Sockets are stamped at the factory prior to heat treatment, and they use pressures that are nearly impossible to achieve in a home shop. I have a hard enough time getting a good impression on mild steel.
The one time I turned a socket in a lathe for an oddball project, it kept trashing the cutting edge on my cobalt tooling. What a nightmare.
Anyway, the forces needed to make such an impression on a socket (after heat treatment) would surely cause the chrome to flake.

Now, if you wanted to use a diamond bit in a rotary tool, or an electro-engraver to re-draw the lettering, that could work. It would be ugly, but since you're only removing chrome where you're drawing, the rust would be contained within the lettering, and that could actually improve the lettering's contrast.

 

[hairtrigger]

Good points. Thanks. I don't have that kind of equipment. I guess I could contract someone to do it, but that's like 400 some odd sockets to do. Big job. Probably cost more than the sockets are worth. I guess I'll just be stuck with the vanishing identifiers.

The clearcoat does sound novel, but sticky.

 

[rsanter]

Electric pencil or engraver. Stamping will hurt the Crome integrety

Bob

 

[boomerangg22]

I got these they work great. Not sure how long they will last but there easy to read. I got mine off ebay for like 3.50 for a set.

 

[Rico.]

I use the Facom insert tag. They are a brilliant little idea, and will save
you damaging your sockets. Easy to clean and hard wearing.


modm.s1a-facom-1-2-dr-socket-set+tag by Rico UK

 

[purevl]

If you wear the etching off you will be through the chrome anyway. I don't know where the idea that you can engrave a tool without damaging the chrome came from, but chrome plating can be reasonably measured in millionths of an inch. This came up recently in the thread about removing owner's marks. My father has legibly stamped every tool he's ever owned with a regular letter stamp and a hammer. It WILL compromise the plating but unless you neglect your tools it will likely never rust due to the minimal exposure. On the other hand, most people lack the ability to do a neat "engraving" with a burr or vibratory stylus and usually end up making a mess that's much more likely to rust. Think of how many SSNs you've seen scratched into yard sale sockets that weren't deep enough to be readable, but caused considerable corrosion anyway. Stamp near the base where the thickness of the drive end will prevent deforming the socket if you're heavy handed and practice on some beaters to get a feel for it.

 

[idoitproject]

When the etching comes off, take it in and trade for the newer double marked ones...etching and stamped.