<VV> identifying a TuffTrided crank

[djtcz at comcast.net]

Original message - Kelly wrote - Hello folks,
 snipped .........    Since the crank uses the same part number, regardless if it is  hardened or 
not, is there a visual inspection I can do to determine a Nitrided  from a 
non-Nitrided crank? .......... 
    Kelly Parker
------------------------------------------
Cleaned (not bead blasted) Tufftrided cranks are kind of a dark gray over all non-machined surfaces.  File test a corner or as-forged surface.  Even a new, sharp, name-brand file (use a non-working area down by the handle) will just skate across any Tufftrided surface without digging in at all.