Sockets -

[Temp97]

I can't see the numbers on my sockets without the use of a telescope!!! Get'n old. There was a thread about how to darken them in but I can't find it now that I need it,, tried most things to include finger nail polish but the engraving is not that deep on the old craftsman sockets and it just rubs off. Anybody know the thread or got ideas??

Thanks

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I know this isn't what you are looking for, but it's an idea...
10 Piece 3/8" Drive SAE Deep Wall Color Coded Socket Set

 

[AlbertaDan]

I think what you may be looking for is called India ink. It is sold at most stationary stores. just ru it on over the lettering you wantto darken then wipe off the extra. It is kind of like staining wood. Wipe it on, let sit for a few then wipe off excess. Let it sit for a while to dry and you should be good to go.

You may have to do it again in a few years but until then you should lessen your need for that telescope.

 

[Temp97]

Now there's something I haven't tried. That stuff sticks to everything, especially the things you don't want it too.... Thanks

 

[forgeblast]

what about engraving the numbers larger?

 

[trook]

What about a permanent marker?

 

[msb1766]

If the size is recessed in the metal take a bright colored crayon and rub it on the socket and then rub off, the crayon will fill in the recessed numbers.

 

[bearcreek paul]

You could try dykem blue put on wipe off,just don't get any on yours hands.It takes a few days to wear off.It's used for laying parts in machine shops.

 

[wedge40]

How about a pair of glasses?

 

[Rustyiron]

I just got a big set or stickers that are made for sockets. I did a internet search ,I think for socket wrench stickers? and found them there for very little $$ Included were sae and metric stickers as well as some other goodies like magnetic stickers to mark the toolbox drawers. Real nice for $20 bucks!!

 

[JoshPA]

Next time you need a replacement, try the craftsman "Easy-to-Read" sockets with the BIG numbers on them. Until then, go with stickers.

Link:

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

 

[sixdogs]

I just got a big set or stickers that are made for sockets. I did a internet search ,I think for socket wrench stickers? and found them there for very little $$ Included were sae and metric stickers as well as some other goodies like magnetic stickers to mark the toolbox drawers. Real nice for $20 bucks!!

How do these hold up to abuse? Seems like they would rub off ASAP?

Short of that I'm going with the eyeglass idea.

I've often thought of adding a touch of paint to separate between two confusing sockets such as maybe 1/2" and 9/16".
Then again, if I found more reasons to use them more often maybe identity would be easier?

 

[schmism]

you can take white or yellow paint (like testors model paint) and lightly dab some over the lettering of the socket. Wipe it off with your finger and it paint should "stick" the the crevis of the marking leaving just the crevis filled with paint. Thus giving you high contrast markings.

 

[Toyboy]

Not much will "stick" to chrome for any length of time. Glasses or stickers seem the most viable.

 

[Rustyiron]

How do these hold up to abuse? Seems like they would rub off ASAP?

I really did just get them, and have not put them to a test yet, I think that they should hold ok with todays adheasives, heck I put the ventshades on my pu tk in 01 (double sided tape) I didn't think that would work either.