What tools are made from chrome vanadium steel?
Chrome vanadium steel is used to make wrenches and socket wrenches, pliers, retaining rings, screwdrivers and other tools and equipment that must be reliable and durable. Products made from this alloy are marked with the designation Chrome Vanadium and are considered one of the highest quality. This is why there are so many fakes on sale.
GROSS brand 36-piece socket set
Best wrench sets with special profile
Such tools are designed to work with fasteners that have heads with internal hexagons and radial stars. Such elements are often used in mechanical engineering, the furniture industry, and in the assembly of household appliances or computers.
Gross 16400
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The keys are made of alloy steel with a hardness of 52-56 HRC. Each of them is equipped with a magnet that ensures reliable contact with the fastener during operation.
Multi-colored powder coating makes it easy to select the right tool and guarantees protection against corrosion. The holder can be placed on a vertical surface or on a clothing pocket.
Advantages:
- laser marking of sizes;
- convenient holder of small dimensions;
- presence of a magnet on the keys;
- durable.
Flaws:
- high price.
The Gross 16400 kit is purchased to work with connections measuring 1.5-10 mm.
Aist 1054309TT
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
94%
buyers recommend this product
The tools are shot-blasted and polished, which ensures resistance to metal fatigue, corrosion, and minor damage. The manufacturing material is complex alloy steel with a high carbon content.
The set contains 7 keys of minimum and maximum sizes T10 and T50. The compact holder simplifies the storage and transportation of the set; it is equipped with a special hole for placement in a convenient place and quick access to the tool.
Advantages:
- good margin of strength and durability;
- small dimensions;
- convenient storage.
Flaws:
- flimsy holder.
The Aist 1054309TT set is designed to work with automotive fasteners at a service station or in a private garage.
Delo Techniki 563591
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
The reliability and durability of the instruments is guaranteed by the use of chrome vanadium steel in their manufacture. Cold rolling and heat treatment of the metal provide them with additional strength.
The set contains 9 imbus keys of sizes T10-T50. Special markings make selection easy. The plastic holder does not take up much space and is equipped with a hole for mounting in any convenient place.
Advantages:
- high strength and durability;
- compactness;
- clear size markings;
- low price.
Flaws:
- The holder wears out over time.
Case Equipment 563591 complies with GOST and DIN requirements - a reliable solution for professional use.
Stanley 0-69-253
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The set includes 10 L-shaped hex keys. Their all-metal construction is not subject to deformation and can withstand heavy loads. The steel used is not afraid of corrosion, which guarantees a long service life of the kit.
The key sizes in the set are 1.5-10 mm. The small dimensions of the case make it easier to store the set, especially since the instruments are placed in individual holders and do not dangle around the box.
Advantages:
- durable and corrosion resistant;
- compact case;
- Convenient key storage.
Flaws:
- The protective paint chips off quickly.
Stanley 0-69-253 is worth purchasing for long-term use: installation and assembly work.
Matrix 11233
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
The imbus keys included in the kit are made of chrome vanadium steel and are not afraid of deformation under mechanical load. The long length of the tools makes it easier to work with fasteners in hard-to-reach places.
Available sizes: 1.5-10 mm. The compact holder makes it easy to store and carry the set. It is equipped with reliable latches that eliminate the possibility of losing keys.
Advantages:
- small dimensions and weight;
- Ease of use;
- low price.
Flaws:
- short-lived holder.
The Matrix 11233 kit will be useful during assembly work. Economical choice for home use.
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Composition of chrome vanadium steel
The number of components included in chrome vanadium steel depends on the characteristics that the final product must have.
Typically, CrV alloy contains:
- 0.8–1.1% chromium;
- 0.18% vanadium;
- 0.7–0.9% manganese;
- 0.5% carbon;
- 0.3% silicon.
The remaining metals are present in the alloy in negligible quantities. When the proportions of components change, chrome vanadium steel changes its properties.
Matrix chisel
with three-component rubberized handle
Important!
Don't forget about the possibility of counterfeiting! Unscrupulous manufacturers use the Chrom Vanadium marking on carbon steel products, so choosing tools from trusted manufacturers becomes a necessary condition. Companies that value their own reputation use alloys with sufficient amounts of vanadium and chromium and follow hardening technology.
Adjustable plumbing wrenches
A universal type of open-end wrench with the ability to adjust the size of the jaw due to a screw or worm mechanism. One “sponge” remains stationary, while the other, due to a mechanism for changing its size, moves in the cavity of the handle. They have markings that allow you to “adjust” the wrench to the size of the fastener or use it as a measuring tool. There are wrenches with a ratcheting mechanism, which allows you to carry out work without removing the wrench from the fastener. One such wrench can replace a set of open-end wrenches, but due to its large dimensions, it is difficult to work in hard-to-reach places. Professional adjustable wrenches are made of high-carbon steel with additives (chrome, vanadium). To improve the characteristics of the alloy, plating with nickel, chromium or phosphate is used. Even after long-term use, there is no play or distance when the jaws are compressed.
Properties of chrome vanadium steel
Hardness is one of the essential physical properties of chrome vanadium steel. It is the hardness that determines what applications a particular material is designed for. The Rockwell hardness scale states that this alloy has a hardness of C41-55.
The material also has structural strength, which, combined with impact strength, guarantees its high fatigue strength and wear resistance.
The minimum tensile strength of chrome vanadium steel is 190–300 and depends on the grade and composition of the alloy. In this parameter, the metal is noticeably ahead of other alloys.
The material is characterized by a favorable modulus of elasticity (30), which refers to the tendency of the material to undergo variable deformation under the influence of an applied force. The modulus of elasticity of this steel in torsion, which is used to evaluate the rigidity of alloys, is 11.5.
Best Combination Wrench Sets
The design of such instruments combines horn and ring profiles. This provides a wide range of applications, ease of tightening and loosening of threaded fasteners in various conditions.
Jonnesway W26126S
5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
100%
buyers recommend this product
This set contains a large number of keys - 26, which ensures comfortable work with fasteners of all main sizes. The material used is high-strength steel, and chrome plating is provided to protect against corrosion.
Available sizes are 6-32 mm, the total weight of the set is 5 kilograms. The set comes in a fabric case. It can be rolled up and secured with Velcro straps for easy transportation and storage. Tool locations are individually marked.
Advantages:
- ease of carrying;
- rich equipment;
- corrosion protection;
- high strength.
Flaws:
- high price.
Jonnesway W26126S is worth purchasing for both private and professional use. A universal set for working with hexagonal fasteners.
Cobalt 020108-07
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The high strength of steel allows the keys to withstand heavy loads without the risk of deformation. The cap profile is equipped with a ratcheting mechanism, which facilitates work in cramped conditions and increases labor productivity.
Number of tools - 7, available key sizes 8-19 mm. The set comes in a shock-resistant case with inserts and a metal lock. This guarantees complete safety of the kit during transportation.
Advantages:
- durable materials;
- lockable case with holders;
- reverse key movement.
Flaws:
- large dimensions.
The cobalt set 020108-07 is recommended for outdoor work. Suitable solution for professional use.
Delo Techniki 511120
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
The keys are made of chrome vanadium steel, which provides them with increased hardness and resistance to mechanical loads and environmental influences. To protect against corrosion, all instruments are coated with a special varnish.
Available key sizes are 6-22 mm, the total weight of the set is 1.15 kg. The cap profile has a deviation of 15°, making it convenient when working in confined spaces. The holder is made of plastic and equipped with reliable latches.
Advantages:
- high tool strength;
- corrosion protection;
- ease of use in cramped conditions;
- light weight of the set.
Flaws:
- flimsy holder.
The Case Equipment set 511120 will be useful in everyday life and in the garage or auto repair shop.
Berger BG1144
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
Berger keys are placed in individual pockets of the fabric case. Special holes make it possible to fix it near the workplace for quick access to the tool, and the Velcro strap makes it easy to transport when folded.
The key sizes are 8-19 mm, the total weight of the set is 1325 g. The tools are made from chrome vanadium steel, which guarantees them high strength and reliability. A special coating is provided to protect against corrosion.
Advantages:
- durable steel with rust protection;
- fixation on the surface;
- ease of carrying;
- size markings.
Flaws:
- The short-lived cover wears out quickly.
Berger BG1144 will be an excellent assistant when performing assembly or installation work. The right choice for regular use.
Force 5161
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
Force tools are supplied in a plastic case for easy storage and transportation. The presence of holders reduces the likelihood of loss, and detailed markings simplify selection.
The number of keys in the set is 16, sizes from 6 to 24 mm are presented here. The material used is high-strength steel, resistant to damage and deformation under heavy loads.
Advantages:
- convenient to carry;
- durable materials;
- indication of dimensions;
- extensive equipment.
Flaws:
- rather large total weight - 2.3 kg.
Force 5161 wrenches are designed to service external hex head screws. An excellent choice for outdoor work.
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10 Best Torque Wrenches
Chrome vanadium steel grades
There are several grades of chrome vanadium steel. Their choice depends on the final properties that the finished tools must have.
- SAE 6150 grade is characterized by medium or high carbon content and is optimal for the manufacture of springs.
- SAE 6195 grade contains a high amount of carbon and is used in the production of ball and roller bearings.
This is interesting!
Ford was the first to use vanadium to improve the strength of steel and its resistance to corrosion and oxidation.
Set of hex keys TORX T10-T50 (9pcs) CrV
Advice from personal experience
All sorts of multi-grip wrenches, capable of working with nuts of different sizes even without reconfiguration, most often gather dust in the workshop without use. The speed of operation with multi-grip wrenches is not at all compensated by its poor quality, and what’s the rush? Repair is not a conveyor belt!
I would really like the instrument to look beautiful. But there are some pitfalls here too. Keys coated with chrome or nickel look good at first, but then the coating often peels off, and chrome that has fallen off the working surfaces increases the size of the jaw and reduces the transmitted torque. But a key with a matte surface, achieved by finishing polishing, will not slip out of your hands, and it will not lose its presentation.
Often, rubber grips are placed on the handles of the instrument “to prevent it from slipping.” Most often, oil gradually penetrates between the metal and rubber, and at the most necessary moment the rubber will jump off the key, and before that, interacting with gasoline and oil, it will take on an extremely sloppy appearance. If the handle has a convenient shape and notch, then no rubber is required.
It's tempting to buy a large set of keys in a large case, but this solution also has disadvantages. When working, it is quite difficult for a box measuring 60x60 cm to find a place, and in each individual case you most often have to use only a pair of keys from the 60 items presented in the set. Maybe it's better to have five small sets instead of one big one? We need open-end wrenches, we take them, and we don’t touch the rest - socket wrenches, screwdrivers, wire cutters, etc.
It is advisable to work with keys in cotton gloves: this will save you from minor cuts, scratches and burns, not to mention the fact that it will be easier to wash your hands.
No matter how good the key is, it needs help. If you sprinkle penetrating lubricant like WD-40 on the thread or under the nut (wherever you can), then after ten minutes you won’t even have to strain much. It would seem that the hopeless nut will come off almost without resistance. If there is no special product, diesel fuel, vinegar, kerosene, and brake fluid will do.
To make it easier to unscrew the fasteners later, before screwing it is advisable to apply Movil to the threads (more often used for anti-corrosion protection of car thresholds): it seals the threads and prevents them from unscrewing due to vibration. It is helpful to coat the threads with a small amount of graphite or graphite lubricant. But litol or solid oil should not be used, they do not protect against water and “burn” over time.
Wrench
- a tool for connecting (disconnecting) a threaded connection by tightening (unscrewing) bolts, nuts and other parts.
Keys are divided into two groups: covering
and
covered
. The size of the pharynx (hole) is standardized [1] and is measured in millimeters (metric) or fractions of an inch (inch). The phrase “14 key” means that the throat size is 14 millimeters.
