IMHO eletroplating the firing pin is more trouble than it's worth & I don't expect it to make much of a difference if at all, the thought crossed my mind too at one point. Unless your setup to electroplate already or have a hook up it won't be cheap. Electroplating generally does not improve electrical conductivity, it helps prevent wear & corrosion. The firing pin is stainless steel which withstands corrosion better than better conducting metals but the firing pin is not necessarily corroding. The sparking over time is creating oxidation. If it was electroplated the oxidation can still form. Simple solution, reduce sparking, you then reduce oxidation. I personally wouldn't worry about it much & I just take the time to keep it clean. If you love your Reos you will find the time to take care of them.
Now electroplating tbe Reo like the Nickel ones would be nice. A copper plated Reo would be bad ...!
I'm the type that can never leave well enough alone. The Reo is not exception in looking for something to mod & I have yet to find any functional improvements I can make that are worth it. I have a few ideas for the firing pin but I just don't see a need to even try them.
Check out post #54 here: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...il-cotton-honest-test-run-2.html#post10145938
I want to emphasize what Dizzie is saying here by adding my layman's observational 2 cents. I had some issues with poor conductivity and sparking as I got to know my REO (#1 . . . . hah
). I came to hypothesizing that, since I'm drawing more current across that connection, I'm magnifying the situation (usually w/ 0.5-0.6Ω builds). I started filing my firing pin when things got troublesome; but I've come to learn that that's too late. Like Dizzie said, the sparking causes the oxidation. But the oxidation causes arcing! So, it's a snowball effect. As I've gotten to know my mod, I've developed a keen sense for the earliest symptoms, and a quick swipe with a tiny dab eliminates any issues for days. Also, the nose of the battery plays into this. The extent to which it has irregularities, scuffs, dimples, reflects the amount of spark issues you might see. My batteries were MNKE flat/button tops that had seen use in 2 tube mods for 4-6 months. I had gotten to the point where I was cleaning them with 1000 and 1500 grit sandpaper. That helps, but also creates micro scratches that lead to oxidation from "micro-sparking" building up faster. My nice new AW 1600s (which kick ayss!) paired with newer firing pins and a knowledge of whats happening and proper upkeep/maintenance are proving to make a hassle-free vape. I'll be taking better care of these battery surfaces than my previous ones.
