This may be an unusual question and Im betting I know the answer but Id like to know what your tool finish preference is.The reason I ask is some of my completely chromed tools are slippery on certain jobs . In addition im considering getting a set of ratchets with the screwdriver type handles for certain things because of this. Appreciate your thoughts!
Tool finish preference
- Thread starter dan1552
- Start date
Well I would prefer a satin chrome finish just because they tend to wear better than the full polish, imo. Industrial finish can be a pain when the weather changes so you have to oil them up to avoid rust.
wreckercologist
Well-known member
I have a set of Mac angle wrenches my father gave me. They are the old, pebble finish. I ended up getting a few warrantied due to spread open ends and peeling chrome. The new ones are the smooth, polished finish and are a real pain when covered in hydraulic fluid.
I prefer ratchets with square handles for this reason as well. The soft grip snap-ons are a pain when covered in oil so I tend to swap out those handles for the old style. My SK ratchets have a very nice knurreled handle which is good when oily.
As wrenchr said, the industrial finish can be trouble at times, but I prefer this finish on all of my larger wrenches. Larger being +1". I have yet to find a tool company that can make chrome stick to a large wrench.
I prefer ratchets with square handles for this reason as well. The soft grip snap-ons are a pain when covered in oil so I tend to swap out those handles for the old style. My SK ratchets have a very nice knurreled handle which is good when oily.
As wrenchr said, the industrial finish can be trouble at times, but I prefer this finish on all of my larger wrenches. Larger being +1". I have yet to find a tool company that can make chrome stick to a large wrench.
speed bump
Well-known member
Satin or black oxide or painted.
Diesel_Crawler
Well-known member
I could lean ether way, but for the dirty grimy work on the gravel trucks and garbage truck and heavy equipment I work on; The satin finish is what I like. Don't have to worry about dropping it and chipping the chrome or or the wear.
(plus I don't have to polish them up to keep them looking good) Mine get a tool room pledge after every use. Keeps them looking fine.
(plus I don't have to polish them up to keep them looking good) Mine get a tool room pledge after every use. Keeps them looking fine.
I like chrome, easy to clean and I usually wipe the tools i'm using down after with a rag and some degreaser and put them back in the box. I find the matte finishes seem to absorb the grease and dirt and make it harder to clean.
My impact sockets and other black matte things I usually clean them in parts cleaner and then hit them with a coat of flat black paint if they need it
My impact sockets and other black matte things I usually clean them in parts cleaner and then hit them with a coat of flat black paint if they need it
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arkangel06
Banned
Polished crome on everything Its my favroite colour 
On ratchets I dont mind checkered handles
I work in a pretty oil free enviroment
On ratchets I dont mind checkered handles
I work in a pretty oil free enviroment
cruiser808
Well-known member
I should not admit this as almost all my tools are bright shiney slippery chrome, but I'f I could do it all over, I'd get satin stuff.
The Muffin Man
Well-known member
Satin chrome, Black oxide, mirror chrome.
In that order.
In that order.
i like any tool with a good fit and finish. that said, most of my tools are full polish although i do have some raised panel and satin wrenches. my impacts of course are black and many pliers are what i would call unfinished.
cruiser808
Well-known member
Uncle Buck
Banned
When I buy new, I prefer the bling of nice new chrome as much as anyone. With that said, once the tool is out of the wrapper and in the box I really never give another thought to the scars, marks, and other wear marks that appear through use.
As an example, I have heard some guys say that they make sure and put their tools on a tray, or a rag, or carpet, or whatever instead of simply setting their tools on the bare concrete because they do not want to add scratches or other such marks to their tools while using them. A thought like that would never come to me, I do my best to never abuse my tools, but I guess I must be too rough or something to ever do that. Not a bad idea I guess, but it is just not me. The scars I add are just part of the price I pay to complete the job. That is also what makes it easy to be happy with older used and marked tools too though.
I do try to wipe away any major dirt of grease left on any of my tools after the job is done, but I don't get AR and go after all the dirt in the sockets or anything like that though.
As an example, I have heard some guys say that they make sure and put their tools on a tray, or a rag, or carpet, or whatever instead of simply setting their tools on the bare concrete because they do not want to add scratches or other such marks to their tools while using them. A thought like that would never come to me, I do my best to never abuse my tools, but I guess I must be too rough or something to ever do that. Not a bad idea I guess, but it is just not me. The scars I add are just part of the price I pay to complete the job. That is also what makes it easy to be happy with older used and marked tools too though.
I do try to wipe away any major dirt of grease left on any of my tools after the job is done, but I don't get AR and go after all the dirt in the sockets or anything like that though.
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wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
I haven't had much of an option as to finish when I bought. It was bargain priced over the finish. That said, I prefer any type of chrome over the black oxide finish that needs to be gone over on some of my inherited tools.
OK fellas , great help. I guess Im in the middle with the most of you. LOVE the chrome , but aggrivating when they have oil on em. I also have few pebble finish like my proto 3/8 pear head. Only 45 teeth so it takes damn forever to get the job done when it tight. F80 so damn slippery! when wet.