Chrome vs. Industrial Black

methomas70 · May 25, 2013

In my experience, chrome tools seem to age a bit more gracefully than the industrial black ones. It makes me wonder why, if given the choice, one would choose industrial black.

I understand that the IB is cheaper, but is there another reason?
Is there a line of work the necessitates a tool NOT being chrome?
Ninja?
Top secret military night missions?

farmall400 · May 25, 2013

Chrome can flake off and get where it's not wanted, like inside an airplane engine for example.

d.mcfarland · May 25, 2013

farmall400 said:
Chrome can flake off and get where it's not wanted, like inside an airplane engine for example.

That's my understanding as well ... the black finish will absolutely not flake, making it more ideal for those involved in industries where there is no tolerance for particles getting in the work, like food or liquids.

On a side note, I really like the grip from the industrial black finish. Even with oil or grease on it, there is still plenty of grip compared to chrome.

Chuck122 · May 25, 2013

Industrial finish is cheeper

hefty lefty · May 25, 2013

Pratt and Whitney used to require its mechanics to buy a full set of black industrial finish sockets, open, box and combination wrenches. I think they permitted chrome on ratchets as long as the chrome was not chipped. The black tools had to be oiled and rust free.

That said black tools are a lot easier to lose especially under car hoods or dimly lit environments.

KnurledNut · May 25, 2013

Snap on industrial sockets have a pinhole at the base for retention, unlike chrome ones.

hefty lefty · May 25, 2013

KnurledNut said:
Snap on industrial sockets have a pinhole at the base for retention, unlike chrome ones.

Actually there are two SO styles, or were, one was identical to the chrome except for finish and another was what you are talking about. They were called Nut Runner sockets, not impact grade but tougher than chrome.

RCP · May 25, 2013

I really like chrome, but I really really freakin like black.
One of the brands I like is Metal Mulisha, and they just got their hands into tools.

Www.metalmulishatoolz.com

But man are they expansive, for what appears to me to be re-branded Cman Pro

lauver · May 25, 2013

There is also the issue of personal preference. Over the years I've come to appreciate industrial finish tools more and more. To me, they look great, feel great, and they clean up easily.

If I had it to do all over, I would buy nothing but industrial finish tools. Chrome is over rated and downright expensive.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

KnurledNut · May 25, 2013

hefty lefty said:
Actually there are two SO styles, or were, one was identical to the chrome except for finish and another was what you are talking about. They were called Nut Runner sockets, not impact grade but tougher than chrome.

Actually, both have holes for socket attachment.

Hootbro · May 25, 2013

Chuck122 said:
Industrial finish is cheeper

But cheaper is not the reason for industrial finish tools.

Fedwrench · May 25, 2013

Yeah, but when you drop that black 10 mm socket into a engine compartment, it's not as easy to find as that shiney chrome one. :lol:

Packard V8 · May 25, 2013

FWIW, I've used both for fifty years and don't find a great deal of difference.

jack vines

Pantsfall_McFixit · May 25, 2013

I prefer black, as chrome tools seem too nice to use! Plus, no worrying about chipping. Just keep 'em dry.

bran1har · May 26, 2013

Black is cheaper, some people think it looks good, and it is never engraved for some reason. I buy chrome.

RCStocker · May 26, 2013

Food industry, experimental labs, electrical equipment and computers, Engines and a host of medical equipment require no chrome tools. Yes they are cheaper but that has really noting to do with why they are made. Remember the auto industry is a fraction of the tool use.

venturesomerite · May 26, 2013

Just me personally, but Chrome are a my non impact, black are impact. I can tell them apart at a glance like that.

hefty lefty · May 31, 2013

RCStocker said:
Food industry, experimental labs, electrical equipment and computers, Engines and a host of medical equipment require no chrome tools. Yes they are cheaper but that has really noting to do with why they are made. Remember the auto industry is a fraction of the tool use.

You can't tell a SO truck guy that. They all think automotive is everything.

Spudland_Dave · May 31, 2013

Chuck122 said:
Industrial finish is cheeper

Ummm...No way. Industrial finish is usually the same price, sometimes more then Chrome. Heck right now you can get a Chrome F80 for LESS then the GF80....normal price on both is $92.95

I've got both finishes. My Goto ratchets for years were a GF936 and GS936. I think I like chrome better...

Chrome vs. Industrial Black

methomas70

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