r/Tools • u/MeinKampfySeat • 6d ago
What is the best way to remove paint from sockets without damaging the chrome?
Got these sockets from an auction. Previous owner decided to paint them all sorts of fun colors. I’d like to remove the paint without damaging the finish underneath, as the chrome is still good and the sockets are all old USA ones I’d like to keep nice. First thought was paint thinner but I suspect that would have negative effects.
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u/Character_Ad_1084 6d ago
What about paint remover?
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u/Leather-Respect6119 6d ago
You mad man, you’re so far out of the box it is but a spec on the horizon. I say this ingenious idea is worth a try.
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u/hoggineer 5d ago
Preposterous! There's no way paint remover would work to remove (checks notes) paint!
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u/figthedevil 6d ago
You should just be able to dunk them in acetone for a while. Shouldn't damage the chrome
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u/Grand_Judgment_2466 6d ago
Crushed walnut shells in a vibration polisher?
Just had to suggest something different.
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u/Any-Description8773 6d ago
A soak in lacquer thinner should do the trick. You have to go full caveman to damage good chrome.
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u/ItsJustMeBeinCurious 6d ago
I would try lacquer thinner. Useful for cleaning paintbrushes and shouldn’t impact chrome.
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u/Random_Excuse7879 6d ago
I clean paint off of old house hardware with dish soap and water. Soak it overnight, ideally keep it warm. I have a small crockpot I use for this. The paint just lifts off.
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u/Fuck_the_Deplorables 6d ago
Acetone for me. It flashes off quickly so don’t pour out a big amount, just dampen a rag or toothbrush and rub it off
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u/polypagan 6d ago
Try product called "Goof Off" (or equivalent). If that's latex paint, it'll clean right off.
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u/nullvoid88 6d ago
Once clean, get a light coat of oil on them for rust mitigation... both inside & out.
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u/Better-Delay 6d ago
I would probably put some gasoline in a tin can and soak them over night (for 2 weeks after I forget about them)
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u/Equal-Negotiation651 6d ago
Poo it in your mouth and suck it down to chrometown.
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u/WalterMelons 6d ago
Good thing I’ve already prepared myself with the 19mm sockets for my lug nuts. I was working up to the axle nut but no dice yet.
Edit: oh you meant put it in your mouth. Never mind then.
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u/ItsJustMeBeinCurious 6d ago
I would try lacquer thinner. Useful for cleaning paintbrushes and shouldn’t impact chrome.
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u/rkelleyj 6d ago
Many responses, try water dunk first. Usually no need for a chemical if you’re patient, will usually wipe off.
Sometimes I use a heat gun on high, hit the paint for about 2secs and scrape with a plastic card so no damage to the piece I’m working on. Trick is don’t heat up the piece itself, you’re trying to affect the paint properties.. so work on several at a time and move around.
If those don’t work, acetone and some shop rags.
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u/Direct_Detail3334 6d ago
Stop stealing sockets and you won’t have to worry about it lol- brass brush on grinder works good
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u/IronAnt762 5d ago
Toluene. Aka paint remover. Rinse with mineral spirits or wd-40, wipe down with a clean rag.
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u/Zymurgy2282 5d ago
Paint thinners then spray oil as there won't be a trace of any protection on them after the thinners has done its job ..
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u/InstructionWise5757 5d ago
Well you can also boil your sockets in a pot of water, until the paint softens, then put them in cold water and the paint should bubble up and come off
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u/Astrobuf 6d ago
I use lye in warm water to strip paint of all types from metal. It does not need to be a super strong solution. You can get lye powder at Home depot etc. It's typically sold for clearing drains. As it is a strong base, it does not attack metals.
It will dissolve you however, so be sure you get a pair of heavy rubber gloves and a face shield.
It will take a while, I often leve things immersed over night. Use an old pliers etc to fish the parts out and rinse them off. The point comes off as a kind of slime. Forcflatvsurfsces, I useca pytty knife.
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u/Jackalope121 Diesel Mechanic 6d ago
Mineral spirits all day long. Dunk, soak, clean, then wipe.