Tool Finish

[Bert]

Hello,

I have a few tools in my tool kit that have some corrosion and rust issues. Some of the wrenches, spark plug socket and allen key, and the alternator tools need to be cleaned up and refinished.

Does anyone know the correct finish to restore these tools?

Thanks,

[Allen Henderson]

Hello,

I have a few tools in my tool kit that have some corrosion and rust issues. Some of the wrenches, spark plug socket and allen key, and the alternator tools need to be cleaned up and refinished.

Does anyone know the correct finish to restore these tools?

Thanks,

First, let me say I've not attempted to refinish any tools. However, I've had 100s of original tools in various states and when they are "shot" they are shot. One can clean them up, wire brush them and polish them and they will look "good." However, when youi compare them to original nice tools, they won't compare. And that being said, I've heard from reliable and very knowledgable tool experts that you can not match the original factory finish when refinishing. . You may be able to come close but it won't be the same. If you want mediocre tools to look good, some people paint them...that can come close and is cheap. Best? Buy, available, excellent tools to start with. Thanks.

-Allen-

[Bert]

Thanks to Allen and Eric for your responses.

It seems a shame to not restore my existing tools. Does anyone know what the factory used for their tool finish? Or did they use some toxic chemical finish that is now against the law?

[edmayo]

On the advice of a friend in PCA I had my tools hard chromed. I 'll take some pictures today.

[NickP]

A concourse regular advised me to get a little 2 oz tube of a product called "Rub & Buff" in silver from Michael's craft store for tools. It works very well if your tools aren't a total mess. It's like toothpaste and you just smear a bit on and work it in. I'm not sure it will last forever but my tools look great and I did this at least 3 years ago. My tools had some black crud on them from being in the tool bag forever. It also works well on tarnished cad plated surfaces like seat tracks. I diluted it with paint thinner and touched up my sliders.

Nick

[Scott Clarke]

I'd guess that the original finish was silver cadmium. This is a process that you still can get done, but not just anywhere. It is a toxic process. While there may be no substitute for original tools in great condition, It seems to me that refinished tools, done as well as can reasonably be expected, sure beat tools so rusty that no plating remains. These things don't grow on trees. Am I wrong?

[Allen Henderson]

I'd guess that the original finish was silver cadmium. This is a process that you still can get done, but not just anywhere. It is a toxic process. While there may be no substitute for original tools in great condition, It seems to me that refinished tools, done as well as can reasonably be expected, sure beat tools so rusty that no plating remains. These things don't grow on trees. Am I wrong?

Besides the, probably, incorrect finish, the other problem you'll have is the texture of the underlying metal. After the corrosion is removed, you're left with that area having a different texture than the other areas. Also, detail is lost on lettering and numbering. Thanks.

-Allen-

[Allen Henderson]

On the advice of a friend in PCA I had my tools hard chromed. I 'll take some pictures today.

Really Ed? Got see this! Thanks.

-Allen-

[Steve@Rennsport]

Hi Bert,

The very first thing I would do is to soda blast the tools to remove any corrosion without harming the existing metal or finish.

After that, I would either have them plated with clear zinc or silver cad, depending on their appearance and personal preferences.

[merbesfield]

I would try Clear Zinc plating, also know as Zinc Chromate. I am not a Conours judge, but I would think you would be very close. Check out this handy web site for help with metal finishes. I have stuff plated all the time and it comes out very nice. Just make sure the place doing them does not lose the parts. Sometimes they are very large production facilities and may not be as concerned about your rare parts as you would be. Make sure you do not get Zinc Dichromate, which is Yellow Zinc. ZD closely resembles the Yellow Cadmium Plating done by the factory on early cars. I am having a bunch of parts plated within the next week or so. I will try to post pics later.

Identifying Platings