black finish on impact sockets
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Freshman User
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black finish on impact sockets
Has anyone ever tried to restore, renew the black finish on impact sockets, extensions, etc. I have some that are worn off to the point of being shiny and would like to make them black again. Other than paint, is there any way to restore that nice flat black finish again.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Salem, Oregon
I used to do Parkerizing as a finish for firearms. It is a flat gray/black finish similar to the phosphate finish on impact sockets and other tools. Whenever I had a batch going I would prep and toss any tools that I had that needed refinishing. Did sockets, pliers and a couple wrenches.
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I have not heard of Parkerizing. Checked it out on Google and it looks like a good solution. Do you need all the different bottles of chemicals or is there a brand that you just apply like gun blue. Thanks for the response.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Salem, Oregon
Try Brownells, for a darker finish use the manganese solution. It is a one part concentrate that you mix with water. It is done hot, I had best results at about 180 deg F. The solution will need to be "aged", lots of guys just use steel wool and disolve it in solution. For small parts you can just use a hot plate or Coleman stove and a small durable container that will take the heat. Don't use aluminum, the solution will eat it up, stainless works best. Make sure the parts are clean, I would degrease with laquer thinner, bead blast the parts then clean again with carb cleaner, into the solution for 10 mins or so, wash in water to flush the acid off and then soak it good with WD40.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Salem, Oregon
I dug up the link for Brownells. They are pretty good to deal with.
This rifle I refinished with the manganese solution
This one I did with the zinc sloution to try and replicate the WWII finish.
The manganese is definitly darker. Final color will depend on the texture of the surface. The rougher it is = the darker it will get, type of steel and heat treatment it has received as well as the cleanliness of your prep work and the temp of the solution.
It is a lot of fun, the fumes aren't bad like hot bluing, the solution isn't very toxic and if you screw it up just bead blast the part off and start over.
This rifle I refinished with the manganese solution
This one I did with the zinc sloution to try and replicate the WWII finish.
The manganese is definitly darker. Final color will depend on the texture of the surface. The rougher it is = the darker it will get, type of steel and heat treatment it has received as well as the cleanliness of your prep work and the temp of the solution.
It is a lot of fun, the fumes aren't bad like hot bluing, the solution isn't very toxic and if you screw it up just bead blast the part off and start over.
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Has anyone ever tried to restore, renew the black finish on impact sockets, extensions, etc. I have some that are worn off to the point of being shiny and would like to make them black again. Other than paint, is there any way to restore that nice flat black finish again.
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Phinxter, I thought that this forum was for people with varied interests to talk to each other and share those interests. How much time I have on my hands does not seem relevant to my post but thanks for your interest.
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Your very welcome
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None of my business, but, forums have one drawback. Written words do not convey tone of voice. What can be meant as good natured banter can be taken out of text. I am on a number of forums and believe me, this one is very good. I'm on one that you better not have thin skin.
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black, bluing, finish, good, impact, makes, refinish, refinished, refinishing, repainting, restoring, socket, sockets
