Removing the color from harbor freight sockets.

[Kirbot]

Now I realize this thread could garner some criticism, BUT, I actually really like these sockets, but they were just starting to look like ****.

So if anybody out there is wondering if the color finish can be stripped off of harborfreight color coded sockets.... YES, it can.

I picked up a set of them a while back, because they were out of the standard chrome ones. And like I said, they were starting to look like ****. The color was flaking off all over the place, but the chrome looked good underneath.


Turns out a simple wire brushing knocks the color right off. I spun them in an oily rag after hitting them on a 6" wire brush, and now you'd never know they started life as rainbows.

 

[ibjuan]

They look much better without color. I've had a set of these for about 5 years and have been happy with their performance but you can imagine what they look like now. I'll wire brush them the first chance I get.

 

[erty67]

Now I realize this thread could garner some criticism, BUT, I actually really like these sockets, but they were just starting to look like ****.

So if anybody out there is wondering if the color finish can be stripped off of harborfreight color coded sockets.... YES, it can.

I picked up a set of them a while back, because they were out of the standard chrome ones. And like I said, they were starting to look like ****. The color was flaking off all over the place, but the chrome looked good underneath.


Turns out a simple wire brushing knocks the color right off. I spun them in an oily rag after hitting them on a 6" wire brush, and now you'd never know they started life as rainbows.

 

[The Cobbler]

good to know

 

[dnschmidt]

Paint stripper works great and removes the color from the inside as well.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I've always thought the Concept of the color coded stuff was solid but the implementation was not well thought out. PERSONALLY I dont want or need each size to be different...I dont see the point. Its not like theres an international standard on Color Code -> Size. BUT I do think it would have been nice if ALL the Metrics were Green and all the SAE Red or something...so when they are just all in the bottom of my travel tool bag, if I need a 7/16" socket...I know I am looking for a RED socket..At least its a little easier then looking at a sea of Chrome..

 

[driz]

Who cares what they look like, its how they work that counts. Anything that helps identify them is a plus after your eyes pass age 50. A few months ago I took my metrics and paint filled all the stampings with red enamel. They're fugly but a lot easier to read. The paint stays on a lot better than I would have thought too. [emoji33]

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I want to paint my Snap-On and ProTo sockets to match my Snap-On nut drivers.... I am not getting much help

I have a set of colored 1/2" drive HF sockets that I bought because they make me laugh.... My other tools only make me smile..

 

[driz]

Who cares what they look like, its how they work that counts. Anything that helps identify them is a plus after your eyes pass age 50. A few months ago I took my metrics and paint filled all the stampings with red enamel. They're fugly but a lot easier to read. The paint stays on a lot better than I would have thought too. [emoji33]

 

[driz]

. funk

 

[RunninOnEmpty]

Paint stripper works great and removes the color from the inside as well.

IMO use chemicals as little as possible... When they are necessary, use them. When a wire brush is just as easy and did not screw up the chrome... do that.

 

[Kirbot]

. funk

 

[cheechi]

funny. I'd buy sockets that look like your 'after' photos. just the look of the colored set is enough to turn you away from HF without a second thought.

 

[383 240z]

Oven cleaner will strip anodized coatings. Built a hot rod for a guy who wanted A/N fittings and black braided hose, but not the blue and red we are all familiar with. A bath in Easy Off and they were a very nice natural aluminum finish. Looked great. Keith

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Don't HF have little cans of touch-up paint for those sockets?