Best way to permanently color metal screwdriver bits for easy identification. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 12:17:25 pm
content: I have collected a lot of loose screwdriver bits and am looking for a nice way to color code them for quick identification. eg, maybe one color for hex and another for torx. or Philips vs pozi etc.Does anyone know what might work for this. Maybe some liquid I can dip the bits into that will color the metal in various colors?Best idea I can think of atm is a very light spray paint. Just a light mist of paint, not enough to add any meaningful thickness.I have tried to simply sort them but it never works for very long. A color code would be much better.Any ideas?

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 12:50:56 pm
content: Mask the ends so you just get a paint band around the middle ?

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 12:57:04 pm
content: Looks like Wera use a plastic band like a cable marker, but I think the bit is thinned so it will still fit a holder

author: Ranayna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 01:00:06 pm
content: I like the way Wera does this.A cheap homemade solution, if you just need the type and not the size, may be to use small pieces of colored heatshrink.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 03:48:31 pm
content: there are brother cartridges for stamp printers that accept heat shrink tubes in it. but they don't have much colors for them only white and yellow

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 05:42:35 pm
content: Just spraypaint them, you probably don't want to paint the very tip, but the rest should be fine, or make a jig to mask the ends and spray a band around the middle. Another alternative is anodizing but that's kind of a pain for DIY.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 06:09:57 pm
content: You cant anodize - they aren't aluminum or titanium.You also cant high temperature heat treat them to color the steel as they'll loose their temper, resulting in bits that either are too soft or too brittle to use. Avoiding paints and metal plating, there are only a few non-exotic and durable surface finishes that are within the reach of a DIYer. Rust browning and bluing, zinc and manganese parkerizing and mid-temperature black oxide are probably the most accessible options.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_coloring_of_metalshas some links at the bottom that may be helpful.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 06:42:43 pm
content: Use Sharpie markers. It's not permanent but it can last quite a while and is quick and easy to redo. I use them to color pins and such on various connectors to indicate polarity or whatever. I colored the "up" side on the micro USB connector I use to charge my phone because it seemed like I would always try upside down first. The color is still there after over a year.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 08:31:07 pm
content: Buy something like this and sort the bits by type and size. Works fine for me with 4 different bit types and many sizes in one holder:https://olsatools.com/products/hex-bit-organizerThese can be bought from many brands. They are also magnetic so they'll keep the bits in and stick to steel surfaces.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2021, 09:04:01 pm
content: Something like this should work:https://www.amazon.com/Paint-Painting-Ceramic-Acrylic-Markers/dp/B07485T22B/Or you could ask the women in your house for nail polish colors they didn't like. They always have a few, and the bottles have brushes built in.Deciding where to mark and what color code is on you, of course. Either dab the non-working end or paint a band in the middle are common choices.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 02:28:30 am
content: If you have the $$$ you could get them ceramic coatedhttps://www.cerakote.com/

author: SmallCog
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 02:52:43 am
content: I use paint markers such as this to identify toolshttps://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/uni-px-20-paint-marker-white-mipx20we]https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/uni-px-20-paint-marker-white-mipx20weThey leave quite a thin layer of very durable paint and come in various colours.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 03:48:56 am
content: >>>>>. NAIL. POLISH. <<<<<<<

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 03:54:48 pm
content: Quote from: Psi on June 08, 2021, 12:17:25 pmFWIW, what I’d do is bite the bullet and replace them with PB Swiss bits. Not only are they colored (it’s hardened spring steel colored in a plasma process, their catalog states), but they are IMHO hands-down the best bits money can buy. They’re insanely precise, and are very durable.Here’s a pic of a small set I have:

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 05:06:24 pm
content: I color-coded all the hex wrenches with oil-based enamel. It has worn VERY well in home machine shop use.i used one color stripe for imperial and two stripes for metric. I also put one or two dots next to hex head screws that need to be adjusted frequently, to match the hex wrench colors.Jon

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 09, 2021, 10:32:38 pm
content: Edding Paint Pen Markers, used these forever in industry and a bugger to get off.They come in a variety of tip sizes and colours.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2021, 02:07:30 am
content: Some that I have used simple spray enamel on have lasted ten years. They don't have all the paint on them after this time, but there is plenty for identification. One of the secrets is thorough cleaning before painting.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2021, 02:45:22 pm
content: Quote from: TheBay on June 09, 2021, 10:32:38 pmI have these and have not found their paint to be particularly durable, neither mechanically nor chemically. :/I use the fine ones in white, perhaps the thick ones (or other colors) use different paint??

author: LaserSteve
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2021, 08:24:12 pm
content: Buy Marked bits from Chapman Manufacturing and get a pair of glasses / put a magnifier in the set? That was my solution, works great.https://chapmanmfg.com/Steve

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 11:47:57 am
content: Quote from: Ranayna on June 08, 2021, 01:00:06 pmYes! perfect solution.Thanks everyone

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2021, 11:52:18 am
content: Quote from: RJHayward on June 09, 2021, 03:48:56 amNot a terrible idea.