Refurbishing SK Ratchets

[HFlashman]

I acquired two classic SK ratchets which are beautiful in design and function. Both were a bit rough with missing chrome, some pitting and light rust. Disassembled the internals and found them to be fine. Cleaned and relubed. Both work very well. The cosmetics are less desirable. There is exposed medal where the chrome is missing. Any suggestions on protecting the exposed metal and improve the appearance of the ratchets?

 

[potato]

rechrome them or powdercoat them.

 

[davethorik]

Honestly, the effort just isn't worth it unless they have sentimental value to you. SK ratchets are one of the most common ratchets, I'd say up there with Craftsman. You can probably buy one with nice chrome for less than $10.

 

[scubadoober]

http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/plug-n-plate-brush-plating-kits/plug-n-plate-nickel-kit.html

 

[HanShotFirst]

Re-chroming isn't practical...would cost as much as a brand new ratchet. I would put them in a portable tool box or something like that, and forget about them. They're great ratchets, but you can get near perfect used ones from ebay delivered to your house for around $20.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

My 1/2 was never plated. I get oil on it sometimes, use it a lot, and its fine.

 

[Packard V8]

Honestly, the effort just isn't worth it unless they have sentimental value to you. SK ratchets are one of the most common ratchets, I'd say up there with Craftsman. You can probably buy one with nice chrome for less than $10.

Definitely less common than Craftsman and 10X better user rat than most Craftsman. The S-K round head is one of the strongest ever made.

Having said that, one snag injury from peeling chrome is a bummer. I'd use a fine belt on a 1"x 42" sander to smooth all the edges and ignore the cosmetics.

jack vines

 

[four.cycle]

"...get near perfect used ones from ebay delivered to your house for around $20."

^ all day long, every day.

45170 3/8" RHFT currently is running anywhere from about $12 - $18 for a nice one (including shipping.)
you should be easily able to find a cherry for $22 - $25 (including shipping.)

I don't even bother posting them in the "Ebay hot deal" thread any more if they go much above $20 bucks - tomorrow there will be at least another three or four listed.

 

[HanShotFirst]

^ all day long, every day.

45170 3/8" RHFT currently is running anywhere from about $12 - $18 for a nice one (including shipping.)
you should be easily able to find a cherry for $22 - $25 (including shipping.)

I don't even bother posting them in the "Ebay hot deal" thread any more if they go much above $20 bucks - tomorrow there will be at least another three or four listed.

I love the SK round head ratchets; even though they're older than dirt. They're freaking indestructible, and crazy cheap for used ones.

I have ratchets from most of the big names, but I have a LOT of SK round heads. A couple of each in my main box, a couple in my portable box, and I have given a couple to my sons…SK’s for everyone!!!
I also have a couple in steel box socket sets.

I think everyone ought to have a couple because they’re just as close to indestructible as it gets. In 30 years I’ve never managed to kill one…and not for lack of trying.

 

[vssjim]

just hit it with some scotch brite to smooth it up and that will fix sharp corners and make it smooth

 

[Fedwrench]

Honestly, scratches, dings, worn spots, etc are patina. Kind of like scars and callouses on a mechanic's hands.

I would only use 2000 grit wet dry to feather edge the bad chrome areas to prevent getting nicked by chrome flakes.

If you use them regularly, there shouldn't be rust forming.

If you want beauty contest winners, there are plenty available as others have pointed out.

 

[potato]

but he asked how to improve them .not replace them.

 

[Empty Pockets]

They are tools , not museum pieces, I have several older ratchets with scratched or chipped chrome. As long as they work, who cares?

 

[HFlashman]

Hey, thanks for the suggestions. Where the chrome is missing, tphe bare metal looks OK but thought there might be a simple solution that might protect the bare metal and look nice as well. The Nickle plating idea looks great but is more than I want to do. For now Corrosion X helps protect the metal. Again, thanks.

 

[straightcut]

There is a cheap and easy solution. Scrape off any loose/pealing chrome, feather the edges (as stated above), degrease, then paint the areas where the chrome is missing with Rustoleum silver hammered finish paint.

I've done it a number of times and it works pretty well for "user grade" tools. It really helps with any sharp edges, so you don't get cuts or slivers from the chrome. As has been stated above, it's not cost effective to re-chrome, yet there's too much utility in them to discard.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

Has anyone tried to Cerakote any of their hand tools?

Also, Ratchet handles can be dipped in Plastidip just like pliers.

 

[cowboy73]

Watch this video:

The guy "replates" some worn sockets, might work for the bare spots on your ratchets.

 

[ken w.]

I sent a SK Wayne 45170 back as the chrome was peeling. They sent me a new one.

 

[bonneyman]

I've found/recv'd a couple of S-K rats that had grind marks or large section peeling. Just spray painted the raw steel segments and use em in the rotation.

 

[Fialaja]

Another vote for sanding and spray painting