Tool Talk

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: lptools on June 18, 2019, 12:43:13 PM

Title: Not so good results
Post by: lptools on June 18, 2019, 12:43:13 PM
Hello, This is a rare set of Williams 1/2" drive copper coated sockets!! Just kidding!! These were found in a very damp basement, and most of the plating on these was either rusty, or had lost its bond. So, into the tumbler they went, and this is how they surfaced!! I am guessing the copper looking material is what went on the raw steel before the plating?? Regards, Lou
Title: Re: Not so good results
Post by: Bill Houghton on June 18, 2019, 01:08:09 PM
Yes, I think copper (or at least something copper-colored) was not uncommon as an intermediate step in plating tools.  I've had more than one plated tool on which the plating, wearing off, was exposing a coppery undersurface.

I've even seen a couple of tools on which the company stopped at the copper plating.
Title: Re: Not so good results
Post by: lptools on June 18, 2019, 02:15:31 PM
Hello, Bill. Thanks for the info!!!
Title: Re: Not so good results
Post by: Ken W. on June 18, 2019, 05:19:34 PM
They now look like rare non sparking sockets too me now. 
Title: Re: Not so good results
Post by: amecks on June 18, 2019, 09:03:16 PM
Yes, I believe the term "triple chrome plating" meant a layer of copper, nickel, then chromium.  Nickel is slightly yellowish compared to chrome's bright silver.
Title: Re: Not so good results
Post by: bonneyman on June 18, 2019, 10:57:09 PM
Quote from: Ken W. on June 18, 2019, 05:19:34 PM
They now look like rare non sparking sockets too me now.

Could go for big $$$ on ebay! lol
Title: Re: Not so good results
Post by: Chillylulu on June 20, 2019, 02:12:56 PM
Quote from: amecks on June 18, 2019, 09:03:16 PM
Yes, I believe the term "triple chrome plating" meant a layer of copper, nickel, then chromium.  Nickel is slightly yellowish compared to chrome's bright silver.

I believe chrome is more like clear fingernail polish on top of nickel. 

In the early 90's I designed a fire sprinkler system in a plating plant. I has to spend several days there surveying the building.  The fact that chrome was clear was something I remember, but I've never confirmed it.

The other thing that was kind odf cool was they had plated a cheeseburger.

Chilly