Aaron and Weber moved together through a variety of projects in Cincinnati starting in early 1986; The Chrome Cranks began to jell in 1988, though they went through a period of woodshedding that lasted for nearly two years, and during this time the lineup was constantly changing.
Despite that Weber subsequently joined GG Allin and the Murder Junkies, Aaron also moved to New York City in 1992 and re-established The Chrome Cranks, adding former Honeymoon Killers guitarist Jerry Teel on bass.
After moving through a succession of drummers, including Charles Hanson; former lead guitarist, singer/co-songwriter for seminal New Orleans punk band “The Normals”, founder & co-songwriter for Mercury/Polygram artists “The Vels”, & bassist for Amphetamine Reptile artist “Loudspeaker”, & designer & builder of Fun House Studios, who played drums on all but one track on their debut album & recently remastered ”Chrome Cranks” & all tracks on 7” “Vice Squad Dick”, Bob Bert joined The Chrome Cranks in the summer of 1994.
After releasing Vice Squad Dick—a PCP Entertainment EP shared with J. G. Thirlwell—The Chrome Cranks eponymous first album made its debut in November 1994 and was warmly received by the underground music press.
After two tours with the Candy Snatchers, Weber returned to Cincinnati where he established his own recording facility, Krakdhaus Studio, and played with local groups while still appearing, on occasion, with the now GG Allin-less Murder Junkies.
The Chrome Cranks’ singular brand of dark, unhinged punk blues has been cited as a key influence by a growing number of younger acts, such as The White Stripes and Cat Power.