Remove pliers tooth marks

[Tuc04]

I have a Wright chrome socket that has pliers tooth marks. Think of the marks made by grabbing something with a big Channellock or vise grip.

I know the damage is permanent, but I'd like to try pushing the metal back down and making the socket smooth again. Any suggestions on how to do that while minimizing metal removal?

 

[ssdave]

I'd take a piece of about 220 wet dry sandpaper, and using a hard backer (piece of hardwood or smooth metal) use it to polish off the top of the roughest areas.

If it really bothers you, I'd be on the lookout for a replacement socket. Would be cheap and easy way to remove the irritation!

 

[LXCam]

I know the damage is permanent, but I'd like to try pushing the metal back down and making the socket smooth again.

This is like telling your kid, I'll put you back from where you came from!!.







Sounds great in theory

 

[stonesg]

File, then polish.

 

[Tuc04]

I don't know how bad your marks are, but I have "smoothed" out plier marks on sockets and ratchet handles by lightly tapping the high spots down with the ball end of a ball pein hammer. It is usually 10x better after a couple minutes work. Reducing the height of the high spots is the goal, don't mess with the areas that are cut into the socket. Often, if the gouging isn't too sharp and pronounced and you go slow and light with your hammer tapping, the chrome will even remain intact. Otherwise, about all you can do is smooth off the high spots with an abrasive so the edges don't catch nitrile gloves, etc. That will remove the chrome though, so you will need to watch for future chrome peeling in that area.

That's kind of the process I am aiming for. I was thinking of using a HSS drill blank to push the high spots down and then cleaning up any remaining rough edges with sandpaper. The finished look isn't that important I just don't want the rough/sharp edges.

 

[rlitman]

I don't know how bad your marks are, but I have "smoothed" out plier marks on sockets and ratchet handles by lightly tapping the high spots down with the ball end of a ball pein hammer. It is usually 10x better after a couple minutes work. Reducing the height of the high spots is the goal, don't mess with the areas that are cut into the socket. Often, if the gouging isn't too sharp and pronounced and you go slow and light with your hammer tapping, the chrome will even remain intact. Otherwise, about all you can do is smooth off the high spots with an abrasive so the edges don't catch nitrile gloves, etc. That will remove the chrome though, so you will need to watch for future chrome peeling in that area.

On a convex surface, there's no need to use the ball. You just need a hammer with a smooth, slightly crowned face.

 

[fsae0607]

I would do a ball pein then smooth it up on a nylon mesh deburr or flap wheel.