How to etch a name on chrome

[bigtiller]

I have a padlock that I would like to wright a name on.
But do it in a permanent way so that a kid with an itchy finger can't scratch it off.
And I would like it to be weatherproof for as long as possible.
Any ideas?

 

[DarkBlack]

Chrome? It says stainless steel

 

[dstig1]

Dremel with a small carbide bit and write carefully as they love to wander

 

[CalG]

I have a padlock that I would like to wright a name on.
But do it in a permanent way so that a kid with an itchy finger can't scratch it off.
And I would like it to be weatherproof for as long as possible.
Any ideas?

View attachment 5497182

Vibrator pen with a tungsten tip.
Coat with car wax after.

 

[bigtiller]

Vibrator pen with a tungsten tip.
Coat with car wax after.

FYI...
Don't Google "Vibrator pen with a tungsten tip"
But the wax is a great idea, thanks.

 

[bigtiller]

Chrome? It says stainless steel

D'oh.
It is so shinny I overlooked the word stainless steel and went straight to chrome.

 

[2manyrocks]

Electric engraving tool. The one I have is ear splitting to use.

 

[alexpops]

electro etching or acid etching (depending on the type of stainless) ... just need good mask for areas you don't want blemished. Any number of cheap DIY setups (look at some knifemaking sites). As I remember, AC will create black mark and DC will do the cutting/etching. Salt/vinegar/water and a 5-12v power source. For acid etching, you need carbon in the steel to bring on the color change ... so the stainless series will determine whether acid will work. If you use acid neutralize & clean afterwards then wax or seal since the etched part would continue to rust potentially. Depending on the chromium and/or nickel content, cold blue/hot blue might work, but you need to speak to gunsmiths for more about that in terms of the temps needed & characteristics of the color for what you want to do.

 

[EarPlug]

Do a google search for "laser engraving near me" or "laser engraving my city"
Or try contacting a Trophy Shop

Google Search

 

[etpm]

I have a padlock that I would like to wright a name on.
But do it in a permanent way so that a kid with an itchy finger can't scratch it off.
And I would like it to be weatherproof for as long as possible.
Any ideas?

View attachment 5497182

Here's an option. I have used these. Disposable Metal Etching Pen
Eric

 

[chim]

What am I missing? If the kid can be trusted with a key, can't he be trusted to not steal the lock?

 

[bigtiller]

What am I missing? If the kid can be trusted with a key, can't he be trusted to not steal the lock?

It's a silly thing. Not worth investing a lot of money on.
After writing Homer & Marge forever, I will lock the lock in a public place for everyone to read and pitch the key.

EDIT: The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

 

[John_Mc]

I think an engraving pen is the best answer. Some of them are not very expensive, and they are easier to control and actually write legibly with than a Dremel tool.

 

[jigs_n_fixtures]

If done electro-etching. If you have a label maker, check to see if you can get masking tapes for it. I have a brother labeler which I can print to from my computer. So, I can add graphics, etc. to the etching mask.

 

[groundcover]

Homer is that you ??