Also note the source/origin of the tire iron. i have had some you could use for years and other seemed to be onetime use deals. The ones that come with the car(newer smaller cars dont come with em any more) tend to be on the lesser quality side compared to the after market ones.
so to blanket state that tire irons are **** could lead you to a failed project in some cases.
Recommendation: get one...cut a piece off of it...spark test it....harden(quench) it with water. if its hardens your good to make what you were going to make . if it doesnt, cool too...make something else.
you are correct ...i miss read earlier.....disregard that post....