"Lee Michaels" wrote in message
...

"ATP*" wrote in message
...

"Nameless" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 20 Feb 2005 14:54:51 -0500, "Lee Michaels"
wrote:


"Harold and Susan Vordos" wrote in message
...

"Ignoramus29737" wrote in
message
...
snip--------

[the article above is a PDF file from a barbell manufacturer that
claims, among other things, that chroming a barbell causes "hydrogen
embrittlement"].

I think that there is a possibility that the article is not true. He
is saying that a relatively quick process of chroming is going to
affect deep layers of steel inside the handle. I am doubtful that
this
is indeed the case. I am xposting to rec.crafts.metalworking to see
what they say.

i

That tends to be a problem only for heat treated items, but it is
true.
Hydrogen embrittlement can be a serious problem under that condition.

I am no expert in these matters. And I don't know who at the metal
working
forum would be such an expert either.

But as someone who has worked extensively with small gym equipment
manufacturers, the universal truth by this group is that bars covered
with
chrome are of low quality. They feel that way for a reason. I trust
their
judgement. This was long before I heard of hydrogen embrittlement.

Eleiko barbells are of poor quality because they are chromed.

http://www.eleikosport.se/products_show.asp?CatID=8

Eleiko is the world standard in barbells, AFAIK, so the statement
doesn't
universally apply. But for the equipment most of us can afford, black
oxide seems to be a better choice as opposed to cheap chrome.
Thank you. Again, we are talking about cheap stuff. As I stated in a
previous post, it is hard to do a good job on chrome on gym equipment. I
didn't say it was impossible. But it ain't cheap.

Therefore, the stuff that us mere mortals can afford. Go with the black
oxide.

That doesn't solve the problem. Black oxide, properly applied, also
introduces hydrogen. Heat treated items must be roasted after the
process, no differently from chrome plating.

Harold