Tarnished Proto and/or SK sockets?

[Oida!]

Gents,

Every few months I clean the dirt & grease out of my sockets. I use standard paint thinner as a solvent to loosen the crud in the sockets themselves.

Has anyone else observed a yellowish tint/tarnish on your Proto or SK sockets?

In the picture below, the bottom socket is an SK 3/8 drive socket. The row of sockets at the top are Protos. Notice the obvious yellowish color of my Proto socket 2nd from the right, and the SK socket.

Is there a way to rid my sockets of this tint?

Thanks,

 

[noid]

I would toss them into an ultrasonic cleaner to get the crud out and not worry about their color.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

OoffDa. That may be a question for a Master of Chromeology. I too have noticed variations in the finish on tools; but in far more brands than just SK and ProTo. The finish could vary with the specifications and guidelines of each manufacturer?

When looking at some of these tools; I would use the phrase "All over the place" when describing the finish. From My User's point of view; if they are not rusting, flaking, or chipping; they get a passing grade.

Have to add: Welcome to GJ

 

[Al Borland]

Have you cleaned them with anything abrasive? Including Scotchbrite pads?
Looks like nickelplate is showing through. Modern chrome looks different than older chrome due to the different methods (Hexavalent vs. Trivalent? or something like that)
Modern chrome has a bluish tint compared to older chrome which has a more silver/argent look. Either will show the nickel through if scrubbed enough. (I'm really trying not to say over-polished, don't wanna feed trolls)
I knew a few guys who were overzealous with their Cragars back in the 80s, and some guys even polished them till you could see traces of the copperplate layer.

In fairness, all my older (30+ years old tools) sockets/ratchets have that yellowed tone to the chrome.