Restoring/refurbishing tools with platings

[aliendude96]

Hi guys, my 1940's war tool collection is coming along nicely, I made the decision to restore eacth tool i collect and I came across the problem with cadmium plating. I know its extremely toxic and hard to source for personal use, Hot black oxide seems simple enough for my WF plomb tools and bonney 4098 ratchet

Now I'd like to know what I could substitute cadmium for when I plan to re-plate everything .
. If anyone got a suggestion I would like to hear it thanks

 

[Dave455]

Well, I’ll start with the disclaimer that I’m in the U.K. and it’s possible that it’s easier to get some things done here than in the U.S.

So, option one, get them cadmium plated.

Now, it may be that the materials are hard to source, but getting someone to do the plating for you shouldn’t be impossible. If you can put your tools through when they are doing a batch, the cost shouldn’t be prohibitive.

Option two, go for chrome. Some tools, e.g. some Blackhawk, were available as cadmium or chrome, depending on the date of manufacture. So, is it totally unreasonable for a tool that was originally cadmium to be chromed? I don’t think so.

Option three, just leave them. I have a lot of vintage tools, and in many cases the unplated ones have lasted better than the plated. Sure, they are less corrosion resistant, and need wiping down, but there’s nothing to flake off, and any damage (such as to wrench jaws) can be dressed out.

If you have tools with poor cadmium plating, I’d probably get the finishers to strip it back for you, irrespective of the finish you finally choose.