Steel Hardening Methods

You must heat steel in order to increase its strength Normalising, tempering, anealing, refining, and hardening are a few methods you can use to harden steel. Each method requires that you heat the steel until it is cherry red, and then follow with a cooling procedure. You can also harden steel by heating the steel to extremely high temperatures and then hammering it out until it is cold. If you are considering hardening steel, here is a basic technique to get you started.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves Propane torch Metal pliers Metal hardening powder Bristle brush

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of thick fire resistant gloves and hold a steel object firmly with a pair of heavy duty metal pliers.

2. Use a propane torch and heat the metal object in 1700 degree Fahrenheit heat until it turns bright red. Turn the object around in the heat to provide even coverage.

3. Dip the metal object into a metal hardening powder and stir with the steel until the powder forms a thick coating on the steel.

4. Allow the powder to penetrate the steel for about 30 seconds.

5. Reheat the steel until it is bright red and immediately cool it down in cold water.

6. Remove all excess powder by brushing the object with a steel wire brush. Reheat again and dip in cold water.

Tips & Warnings

• Immersing the steel quickly into the water, or sometimes oil, is what makes it hard.

• Hot metal can cause severe burns. Always wear heavy duty gloves and long sleeves. Hold the metal objects with metal tongs, pliers, or forceps made for blacksmithing.

Resources

• Blacksmith Depot
• Blacksmith Supply
• Centaur Forge