WillyP Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 Hi All, Can anyone give me a general idea of what type of steel they make things like tire irons etc out of? I've got a whack of these things kicking around - left over from old cars I've had. They seem pretty hard - I thought they might make good punches/chisels/hardy tools etc. I used a piece of one to make a chipping hammer eons ago and it's still got a decent edge even though i don't think I've ever touched it since. Thanks! Willy p.s. speaking of using old tools as a source of material - what about using old wrenches etc? I've got a bucket full of em' - I keep giving them away to ppl who need the odd one, and I was just keeping them for scrap wieght anyway.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 Most tire irons are medium carbon steel but don't take that as gospel. Try spark testing to estimate C content and if you're making something critical buy new steel. The problem with making things from old wrenches is several fold. #1 in my book is the chrome plating, removing it is problematical and tossing a piece of chrome in your forge is extremely hazardous to your health. Airborne chrome oxide vapors are near the top of the carcinogenics list. Very bad stuff. #2 and much farther down the list is the alloy. I have no idea what a wrench is made of, sure some makers stamp something dramatic on them like, "VANADIUM STEEL!!!" but . . . :confused: I'd stick with your policy of keeping them around for loaners myself. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 In the bp section there are a couple of lists of found steels and what they may be made from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keykeeper Posted May 5, 2009 Share Posted May 5, 2009 sure some makers stamp something dramatic on them like, "VANADIUM STEEL!!!" but . . . :confused:Frosty And just what is wrong with that on a tool, Frosty? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Not a thing unless you're planning on forging a wrench out of it. She's a beauty. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keykeeper Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Sorry Frosty, just had to do that. Don't think my forge will make enough heat to re-forge this old girl. Something else to look out for is those "non-sparking" wrenches. Beryllium or something like that. Supposed to be mucho grande bad stuff in the vapors from that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wolfshieldrx Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 I can't speak for all tire irons, but I have used a couple to make knives that are definitely medium to high carbon. They harden/temper well and hold a good edge. Of course these things were made by many manufacturers over a lot of years, so??? bart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irnsrgn Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 They make dandy triangular dinner bells, just don't quench the bend while its orange or when you try to ring it, you breaky it. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkunkler Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Old tire irons make good goose-neck hold-downs. Oil quench and temper like a spring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 6, 2009 Share Posted May 6, 2009 Sorry Frosty, just had to do that. Don't think my forge will make enough heat to re-forge this old girl. Oh don't be sorry, that was a good one, I certainly wouldn't've let it pass. Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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