Owner's Marks

[Bierisch]

Just wondering about the various techniques you use to get rid of them.

I know some are kinda like shallow scratched surfaces and others are deep stamps etc. Just curious as to the ways around them.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Just wondering about the various techniques you use to get rid of them.

I know some are kinda like shallow scratched surfaces and others are deep stamps etc. Just curious as to the ways around them.

I leave 'em (I don't mark them, but I have used tools that have marks). Adds character to the tool in my belief.

Much like a tattoo. I don't have them or like them, but I don't put a guy down that has them, his choice, and doesn't change who the person is.

 

[PelicanPines]

This is a different situation but figured I would chime in. Two short stories on owners marks:

1. when I was young... I started to misplace several tools that ended up in my uncles box... SO, I used red nail polish and marked most of my tools. My uncle saw what I did... so he stole the nail polish and marked every one of his tools with the same nail polish... which let him claim whatever tool he wanted.

2. purchased a $300 trim router kit for $40 because the owner painted blue paint everywhere on the set... even the bits... I talked the pawn shop down to $40... went home and used goof off to completely clean the whole thing. Turned around and sold it on ebay for $250

On topic... I have used a dremel with a grinding wheel to take off the high spots. I then use an ultra fine wire wheel on the dremel to polish away some more of the markings. It isn't perfect but makes things better. I have also used coarse grit polishing compound with a buffing wheel.

The buffing wheel trick even works a little when people etch markings on the plastic housing on power tools. Use a light touch... gouging does NOT work.

 

[fourjeepin]

Re: Home Depot Clearance Thread 2015

I don't do it, but my grandfather marked all of his tools. I am glad he did. I recently was given this one from my mom. It was in rough shape but a little tlc and I found this:

 

[burke753]

I use an electric engraving tool to mark mine. It doesn't seem to go extremely deep. I'm sure a wire wheel would take it out pretty good. But then again as **** as I am it may make the finish look uneven or bad on some tools.

I've never actually gotten any used tools that had other owners markings on them. But if I did I would probably just try to engrave my initials over them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Shiftless]

I have had success removing the electric engraving marks using first some fine sandpaper and then follow up with a Scotchbrite flap wheel. It restored the polished finish on a couple of Snap On sockets.

 

[Bierisch]

I have had success removing the electric engraving marks using first some fine sandpaper and then follow up with a Scotchbrite flap wheel. It restored the polished finish on a couple of Snap On sockets.

Can I see a picture of the sockets that you got back to a good shape? If you have any pics that is.

 

[Shiftless]

Can I see a picture of the sockets that you got back to a good shape? If you have any pics that is.

Sure...here is a SW-141 a one half inch drive 12 point 7/16 inch
Might be 40, 50, or even 60 years old.
I suppose a guy could go crazy and do more work to get a mirror finish, but I'm not that crazy.

 

[Shiftless]

If you like older SO tools here is a vintage 1926? maybe
Half inch drive 5/8 inch 6 point

I don't know what happened to the nose. Like that when I found it at an estate sale. I didn't polish it just a quick wipe down and a few minutes in an ultrasonic cleaner with water and dish detergent. Then a heat gun before tossing it in the drawer.

 

[Bierisch]

And those are where someone had owners marks? If so I think your solution is gonna be what I need to go with, thanks for the info guys.

 

[Shiftless]

And those are where someone had owners marks? If so I think your solution is gonna be what I need to go with, thanks for the info guys.

Yes
But realize that they were the lightly applied machine made marks using once of those little vibrating tip tools. Magnified the marks looked like tiny dots. If you are dealing with something stamped in, that is a WAY bigger problem to remove.
I will try to find another socket with the lightly applied marks I am talking about and post a photo.

For reference, I made pen marks 1/4 inch apart on that masking tape.
If you open this picture and enlarge it, you can see the little dots that the engraving machine made.
You're looking at a SO 11/16 half inch drive.

 

[TauntDevil]

I always mark all my tools. After working with others who have tool boxes or having people visit, I make sure to always mark them. Every socket, every wrench, etc. I use an etcher.
Never have bought tools from others so never had to get rid of any markings but if they are etched, I would just use a polishing tool. Or if it is super deep, to solder in filler and grind it away if it is an issue.