As most mechanics know .. this is important.. I've started doing this recently .. usually I spent about as much time searching for sizes as I do working on the project .
My first job was as a bike mechanic. I had a hate time seeing the tool sizes so i painted them with testors enamel paints. To this day I still use that paint.
To Backwoods Mechanic - The rings of color you painted can be filled instead with epoxy colored to what you want, or abs putty to make a long lasting plastic ring that fills the indent completely (same plastic as lego and electronics carcasses mixed with acetone till its a paste then fill with a toothpick or fine nail). For the number markings etc your method works great. If anyone has access to shrink tubing that is wide enough to go over the socket thats a possibility for the rings too. Thanks for sharing.
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
RUclips recommended this video Very helpful - I also did this in engine compartment to better see fluid level and lettering on fuse box. Both of which have raised lettering. 👍
On my own, I JUSt figured out to use the paint marker in white for the case sizes. I have long been wanting to paint the sides on my sockets that need to have the size enhanced. I’ll be buying the fine tip paint marker soon!
I was thinking with more than one ring, one ring indicates metric vs standard and one ring indicates drive size. Very nice idea. Thanks, I am definitely going to color mine as harder to read now that I am getting older. Drill bits would be another good place to use colouring.
Back in 1982 the printing press's grease fittings had red markings from- Nail Polish. After awhile I remembered where the fittings were but the markings helped
I always spray paint my metric wrenches and sockets red. My 3/8 inch ratchet set is SK Wayne brand that I bought when I was 16 years old. In a couple of months I will turn 71.
YEARS AGO, I painted my hi use sockets. The entire socket, so at a glance I know what size it is. 1/4 = RED 5/16 = YELLOW 3/8 = BLUE 1/2 = ORANGE It has worked out great altho the paint wears and eventually they need repainting. I have started using nail polish as you may not know, nail polish is as hard as, well, nails. !
I have used the silver sharpies for decades in metal fabrication. The only bad thing about it is solvents take it right off. Gasoline, brake & carb cleaners, parts wash fluid, thinners etc. I will try that paint marker idea tho, that may take more to remove it. My sockets and wrenches get so oily, greasy, grimy and dirty I always had to clean them with some kind of cleaner when I had a chance. (usually solvent of some kind) so that is the main problem I forsee.
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
I color coded my Quarter Inch Drive Sockets, to Match the Colors of my Nut Driver Sets. Also I changed the Colors on my Metric Nut Drivers so none Match my SAE Nut Drivers. Also I made a Chart and Laminated it, it shows all the sizes of my Metric and SAE Sockets and their Inch Decimal Equivalents.
Nice, thanks! Great idea, I've lost a lot of productivity cause I spend 45 seconds on sockets trying different angles and distances from my eye balls SAE/Metric? My guessing game especially when frustrated goes to 10% accuracy :)
I have had a hard time with finding say a 7/16 from a 1/2 inch socket. My solution is to spray paint the 1/16 sizes ( 7,9,11, 13) /16ths . It is easy to tell a 1/2 from a 5/8 but not so much a 7/16 from a 1/2. When the paint wears, Ijust respraythem.
better than ink is paint. you can find a number of colors of paint pens, in the welders department. or other colors in the paint department. but there you get to by a lot more paint than you could ever need
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
@@michaeldominiquez7253 Dupli-Color Caliper Paint is available at Walmart ($7.39) and most auto parts stores. Heat AND chemical resistant. Bonus: It looks a lot like metal-flake or anodizing.
I spray paint, then use a drill socket adapter to polish/clean overspray on sockets. A piece of 400 paper in my hand, just loosely hitting the socket, the indents stay filled and they look good.
I usually clean then spray paint with a quality spray paint,let it cure a day or two then wetsand with 400 or so,,the paint stays in size indents,makes it alot easier to size my socket,,wrenches Besides,it looks cool when you're done
Oh also, ya know what are damn near impossible to mark size? Pittsburgh Harbor Freight. Tried sharpie, markall, nail polish, high temp engine enamel.. gave up and got the Dremel..
I don't know if it would work on chrome, but if I owned any of those scary black firearms I think crayons work really well scraping across the lettering.
Sockets were ok and a good idea, But a crescent wrench really, you can't tell if it is 8", ts not metric or SAE, Not to mention oil from hands will cover all that stuff on handles fast
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
how long will it hold up ? i use my tools all the time backyard mechanic i fix family Vehicles plus my own , my eye sight getting where i can not read the chromed numbers . unless i hold the socket under a bright light . not something i want to paint every time i use it .
When you work with a group of mechanics in a industrial atmosphere you really need to be able to identify your tools they do get mixed up no way around it
I worked in an install shop with 4 other installers. All of our tools, especially specialty tools were identical. We each had a color code, mine was green. I kept a green paint pen, electrical tape and heat shrink tube in my box to mark anything new that I got in.
For your readers' convenience, Amazon sells the Sharpie paint markers. Here's a set of four: smile.amazon.com/Sharpie-37371PP-Oil-Based-Markers-Assorted/dp/B000GOYAPQ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sharpie+oil+based+fine&qid=1601766879&sr=8-3 Would be great if tool manufacturers could settle on a pair of colors to discern metric from SAE. H-F uses red for SAE and blue for metric. Need to research to see if other manufacturers do likewise.
You used yellow on your metric size roll mark only. For quicker id fill in the size like you did AND all roll mark letters in the same yellow. Side note for security: If you own made in USA tools, always inscribe your mark as well as the paint marker id trick. Acetone and a soft wire brush will remove the paint.
@@fjb4932 If you ever listen to the Adam Corolla podcast he brings it up all the time and it drives him nuts. Younger people will call in to his show and you can hear it in the background. I get older people or someone with hearing damage but some people can just tune it out.
Dude your a Genius so……can you paint 🎨 my babies 👶 I can’t tell one from the other different babies from a different mothers they need to be Color code so I will know which is which.
its ok but after 30 years on a farm using tools everday, i found everthing rubs off. so its great but for me id have to redo this every 2-3 weeks on the ones i use daily for me is 4 sizes. the rest maybe used 2 times a month.
But in reality when these sockets are used in middle of break cleaners and other acetone based liquids, the paint is not going to last longer than couple of uses
Why are harbor frieght tools in different colors for each ratchet size, cause there stupuid. Oh already used paint markers, I got two different size tips. Amazon got double tip markers too. Put your name and phone number on the cases , cops MAY call you to get your stuff back! Cops use blocked numbrers.
As most mechanics know .. this is important.. I've started doing this recently .. usually I spent about as much time searching for sizes as I do working on the project .
My first job was as a bike mechanic. I had a hate time seeing the tool sizes so i painted them with testors enamel paints. To this day I still use that paint.
I also did my golf clubs with a paint pen. (I’m old). lol. Love them. Cheers
Thank you. I’ve been scared to bring my tools to work. My fear is now gone. Big thanks, nuff respect.
To Backwoods Mechanic - The rings of color you painted can be filled instead with epoxy colored to what you want, or abs putty to make a long lasting plastic ring that fills the indent completely (same plastic as lego and electronics carcasses mixed with acetone till its a paste then fill with a toothpick or fine nail). For the number markings etc your method works great. If anyone has access to shrink tubing that is wide enough to go over the socket thats a possibility for the rings too. Thanks for sharing.
Instead of painted Rings, just draw a box around the Size! Done.
Awesome idea. I'm definitely going to try this. Now......go change the battery in your smoke detector!
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
Don't do it Steve, I that chirping sound
Took me a minute to get the joke which made it hit harder lol
RUclips recommended this video
Very helpful - I also did this in engine compartment to better see fluid level and lettering on fuse box. Both of which have raised lettering.
👍
As a Middle Aged Man .......
I Approve this message 👍
On my own, I JUSt figured out to use the paint marker in white for the case sizes. I have long been wanting to paint the sides on my sockets that need to have the size enhanced. I’ll be buying the fine tip paint marker soon!
I was thinking with more than one ring, one ring indicates metric vs standard and one ring indicates drive size. Very nice idea. Thanks, I am definitely going to color mine as harder to read now that I am getting older. Drill bits would be another good place to use colouring.
Back in 1982 the printing press's grease fittings had red markings from- Nail Polish. After awhile I remembered where the fittings were but the markings helped
Great video!! Loved the descriptions and the actual showing of how you do it. Will do this on an afternoon with no coffee 🙂
I always spray paint my metric wrenches and sockets red. My 3/8 inch ratchet set is SK Wayne brand that I bought when I was 16 years old. In a couple of months I will turn 71.
73 yet ?
Well that looks Purdy! I can look at my tools and tell what size it is,don't have time for arts and crafts!
I wonder if glow-in-the-dark paint would help too!
Looks really sharp thank you for sharing
YEARS AGO,
I painted my hi use sockets. The entire socket, so at a glance I know what size it is.
1/4 = RED
5/16 = YELLOW
3/8 = BLUE
1/2 = ORANGE
It has worked out great altho the paint wears and eventually they need repainting. I have
started using nail polish as you may not know, nail polish is as hard as, well, nails.
!
I've been NEEDING to do this to mine! I LIKE the yellow!😎
I purchased the fine point markers worked great
Thank you I wish I would have thought of this simple, but extremely effective identification method...
I have used the silver sharpies for decades in metal fabrication. The only bad thing about it is solvents take it right off. Gasoline, brake & carb cleaners, parts wash fluid, thinners etc. I will try that paint marker idea tho, that may take more to remove it. My sockets and wrenches get so oily, greasy, grimy and dirty I always had to clean them with some kind of cleaner when I had a chance. (usually solvent of some kind) so that is the main problem I forsee.
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
@@POWER-LINKS Awesome! And we know that holds up to brake and carb cleaners and most any solvents! Great Idea LYNX
I color coded my Quarter Inch Drive Sockets, to Match the Colors of my Nut Driver Sets. Also I changed the Colors on my Metric Nut Drivers so none Match my SAE Nut Drivers. Also I made a Chart and Laminated it, it shows all the sizes of my Metric and SAE Sockets and their Inch Decimal Equivalents.
Did you mark the actual size?
I really like this idea…. As soon as I get things organized…again gonna do this.. thanks for the idea
Welp, I guess I got ANOTHER damn new project lmao :) Thanks for the awesome advice good sir. Stay safe and stay well.
Super cool. I'm doing this today.
Wow, pretty smart. I like that idea
Nice, thanks! Great idea, I've lost a lot of productivity cause I spend 45 seconds on sockets trying different angles and distances from my eye balls SAE/Metric? My guessing game especially when frustrated goes to 10% accuracy :)
I have had a hard time with finding say a 7/16 from a 1/2 inch socket. My solution is to spray paint the 1/16 sizes ( 7,9,11, 13) /16ths . It is easy to tell a 1/2 from a 5/8 but not so much a 7/16 from a 1/2. When the paint wears, Ijust respraythem.
I subscribed, when he said pop the clutch… classic
better than ink is paint. you can find a number of colors of paint pens, in the welders department.
or other colors in the paint department. but there you get to by a lot more paint than you could ever need
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
Where do you buy the paint
@@michaeldominiquez7253 Dupli-Color Caliper Paint is available at Walmart ($7.39) and most auto parts stores. Heat AND chemical resistant. Bonus: It looks a lot like metal-flake or anodizing.
field test: How long did paint last?
thumbs up.
Simple and smart.... that's being efficient and proficient.
You got them looking nice with good high visibility Great video
Love the Lacs
I just use denatured alcohol before the paint fully cures to remove the excess.
I spray paint, then use a drill socket adapter to polish/clean overspray on sockets. A piece of 400 paper in my hand, just loosely hitting the socket, the indents stay filled and they look good.
That sounds amazing JNH! I’m going to try your idea. My sockets do not have deep indents so the oil markers in this video did not work for me.
I usually clean then spray paint with a quality spray paint,let it cure a day or two then wetsand with 400 or so,,the paint stays in size indents,makes it alot easier to size my socket,,wrenches
Besides,it looks cool when you're done
Oh also, ya know what are damn near impossible to mark size? Pittsburgh Harbor Freight. Tried sharpie, markall, nail polish, high temp engine enamel.. gave up and got the Dremel..
Nice. 🇨🇦 This is great
Excellent job ❤
Excellent. Thanks.
Great video. Love the realness
Great idea 💡
ok had to pause the video after the intro: Love the intro, and love LACS music...
I really like your color style on your socket, the red line and the white size numbers looks really cool
Good stuff Broski 😎🍻
this is awesome thanks.
Genius! Thanks
Thank you this was awesome !!!!! doing mine right now I was using crayon and it sucked
GREAT TIP
I don't know if it would work on chrome, but if I owned any of those scary black firearms I think crayons work really well scraping across the lettering.
Thank you!
Sockets were ok and a good idea, But a crescent wrench really, you can't tell if it is 8", ts not metric or SAE, Not to mention oil from hands will cover all that stuff on handles fast
Thank you very much
You can now charge double what you paid for it haha. Great idea. Going to do this. Thank you
Looks great👍
Great idea!👍
Great idea! Nicely done!!
Now I can easily fix all my AutoZone Duralast sockets👍
BUILT TO LAST DURALAST....
Haha. Me too. They got the colors mixed up.
Would this work on impact sockets?
what is the best color to contrast with chrome?
Nicely done.
Great!
pull the tip out of the paint pen and flip it around. it’s a fine point on the other side of the majority of paint markers
Where did you get the paint pens from?
Kool video 👍
Nail polish works a bit better and holds up for longer I found
How does the paint hold up against brake clean?
I used Dupli-Color® Caliper paint (chemical resistant, multiple colors) sprayed into the cap to form a puddle and a very small foam brush with the pointy tip for filling in the lines and the end flattened for accurately dabbing (modify as needed with razor blade) the raised numbers. Clean with alcohol first for a long lasting effect.
Works great on guns too! FUB
Outstanding!
I'd suggest covering the paint with a thin lawyer of crazy glue for protection. (cyanoacrylate super glue)
I DON'T see myself even Entering the aisle that has nail polish😆
how long will it hold up ? i use my tools all the time backyard mechanic i fix family Vehicles plus my own , my eye sight getting where i can not read the chromed numbers . unless i hold the socket under a bright light . not something i want to paint every time i use it .
thats a good idea
Wow, maybe next video can be "finger painting"
Thank you that's awesome that's a good idea I need to do that.
When you work with a group of mechanics in a industrial atmosphere you really need to be able to identify your tools they do get mixed up no way around it
I worked in an install shop with 4 other installers. All of our tools, especially specialty tools were identical. We each had a color code, mine was green. I kept a green paint pen, electrical tape and heat shrink tube in my box to mark anything new that I got in.
I wonder if the old method of marking DnD dicewith a crayon would work
The wax isn't durable enough to withstand the level of abuse tools get.
Nerd.
Ya had me at the intro lol. #NCBackyardMech
Can you do this with black oxide impact sockets? Any tips for removing the overflow paint from the oxide surface?
Cotton bud and gentle with some paint thinner. Careful not to flood or remove the paint in the indent area. I think sometimes they are called a Q tip
Is that you Cousin Byron!? From Williamson, KY?
Marked sockets look nice however once it's used on oily engines painted surfaces disappear..
Yeah next time I do meth, I'll individuality paint my sockets! Haha dang son!
Dude, you need to feed your ceiling birds!
did the same thing basically only i used enamel nail polish.
For your readers' convenience, Amazon sells the Sharpie paint markers. Here's a set of four: smile.amazon.com/Sharpie-37371PP-Oil-Based-Markers-Assorted/dp/B000GOYAPQ/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=sharpie+oil+based+fine&qid=1601766879&sr=8-3
Would be great if tool manufacturers could settle on a pair of colors to discern metric from SAE. H-F uses red for SAE and blue for metric. Need to research to see if other manufacturers do likewise.
Doit Best's Channellock licensed sockets are also Red = SAE Blue = Metric
👍
Great vid. Would never mark my nut founders ( adjustable wrenches that only use in an emergency ).
How do you know your metric adjustable wrench from your S.A.E. adjustable wrench? Just by sight? Experience?
As a mechanic for years I thought how can I see these sockets sizes w/ size markings , , but can not afford to buy hundreds of New one's !
You used yellow on your metric size roll mark only. For quicker id fill in the size like you did AND all roll mark letters in the same yellow. Side note for security: If you own made in USA tools, always inscribe your mark as well as the paint marker id trick. Acetone and a soft wire brush will remove the paint.
How about replacing your battery in your smoke detector!
I don't understand how some people are just oblivious to the sound of a chirping detector like that, it boggles my mind!
@@jasonhoch33
Loss of hearing in that frequency range ...
@@fjb4932 If you ever listen to the Adam Corolla podcast he brings it up all the time and it drives him nuts. Younger people will call in to his show and you can hear it in the background. I get older people or someone with hearing damage but some people can just tune it out.
Dude your a Genius so……can you paint 🎨 my babies 👶 I can’t tell one from the other different babies from a different mothers they need to be Color code so I will know which is which.
change your smoke detector battery.
They smoke detector needs a new battery
isopropyl alcohol removes the colors off skin- cuts will STING
its ok but after 30 years on a farm using tools everday, i found everthing rubs off. so its great but for me id have to redo this every 2-3 weeks on the ones i use daily for me is 4 sizes. the rest maybe used 2 times a month.
But in reality when these sockets are used in middle of break cleaners and other acetone based liquids, the paint is not going to last longer than couple of uses
I turned your video off because I heard a smoke alarm indicating low batteries and that sound gives me anxiety.
Poor baby
Why are harbor frieght tools in different colors for each ratchet size, cause there stupuid. Oh already used paint markers, I got two different size tips. Amazon got double tip markers too. Put your name and phone number on the cases , cops MAY call you to get your stuff back! Cops use blocked numbrers.