Removing Owners Marks from Proto Puller Set

[apittmanii]

I purchased a 10 ton general puller set by Proto on my local craigslist for $30. I am completely happy with it but I would like to remove the former owner's marks that are scratched into the surface of the steel.

The marks (as shown in the photos) are not deep. They are very shallow. Does anyone know if this tool set has any sort or zinc coating to prevent corrosion that would be removed if I attempted to buff out these marks? I can easily get the scratches off but don't want to end up with rusted or discolored spots due to removed corrosion coating in place of some former owner marks.

Also any feedback on what your approach would be in removing the marks would be helpful. I have everything from 3m pads to steel wool to grinder with wire wheel to many other methods available to me in the garage. Thank you!

 

[potato]

polish them.maybe get them chromed or powder coated.but definitely polish them.and check the inside of your sockets to make sure they are not painted.

 

[littletoes]

It's a puller.....why not just record the numbers, and use it???

I've used that exact puller at least 100 times pulling bearings...I've some tools that I've purchased at garage sells etc. I don't mind some of them having other things inscribed on them...I bought them to use.

 

[Ign]

Those are a bit long. I usually initial my tools w an engraver. If I want to sell them I've either put them in the mill and mill a tiny pocket to obliterate the marks (which also makes a nice spot for new marks) or carefully engrave a square over the initials. In this instance you'd have to engrave quite a rectangle.

In school they'd often require us to mill a tiny pocket and stamp our initials on finished projects. Looks nice if you do it right.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Nice score on a classic puller!
I'd just leave it as is. The marks are part of its history.

 

[American Locomotive]

Those marks are so small, why bother removing them? Those pieces are almost certainly plated/coated, and buffing out those scratches would probably compromise the plating.

Those numbers look suspiciously like some kind of serial number or tool management number. Wonder if the previous owner "borrowed" the puller from his employer?

 

[T45]

The marks -- those look like tool control or inventory numbers. those tools will spend most of their time tucked away and are only seen during use. as an end user, IMHO, the marks are not noticeble and do little to no harm...

 

[tdellenburg]

I have a Klein 10" adjustable I bought from my foreman 20 years ago. Still has his name engraved on it, and still turns every bolt I put it on.

 

[JRC3]

polish them.

I knew when I read the title this was gonna happen. LOL

I too wouldn't think twice about the numbering.

 

[WittHay]

A 10 ton Puller is a tool to be used with hammers, chisels and cutting torches usually to replace bearings after you get the sprocket or. pulley off first.

You got a good deal on the puller and i would just live with the marks.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Those marks are so small, why bother removing them? Those pieces are almost certainly plated/coated, and buffing out those scratches would probably compromise the plating.

Those numbers look suspiciously like some kind of serial number or tool management number. Wonder if the previous owner "borrowed" the puller from his employer?

Being "borrowed" would be My primary concern.. Documentation of the sale wouldn't be the dumbest thing to have, and if the seller refused to go along with that; I probably wouldn't buy them.. I am another who definitely would not do any grinding to remove those markings.

 

[jeeper46]

I'd just be engraving my own name on that stuff.......

 

[rlitman]

I'd just be engraving my own name on that stuff.......

The general advice here usually seems to be to change your name to match the owner's marks.

 

[Infinia]

The general advice here usually seems to be to change your name to match the owner's marks.

nope I reckon the OP is looking to maximize resale value, not being accused of theft.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Leave the engravings, they give the tools character.

 

[T45]

nope I reckon the OP is looking to maximize resale value...

fools errand...

 

[apittmanii]

Thanks everyone for your feedback! I'll be leaving those markings as-is. A little degreaser and these cleaned up nicely. I put this puppy to work today removing a rusty sprocket pulley from a motor shaft and the set works like a charm.

I've got a couple detectives hot on the case of the boosted tools. They suspect Russian mob activity, so they phoned interpol. I'll update once they nab the perps.