Jason W Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 Hey all I apologize if this has already been covered but I am curious about strut shaft steel. I mentioned to my mechanic that i'm looking for steel that he's tossing away so he was nice enough to cut the shafts out of some struts for me. My plan is to use them for tools but because they are so polished I'm concerned if they might be chromed and I don't really feel like poisoning myself today... or well, ever... Does anyone have experience with using strut shafts? Does anyone know what steel is typically used? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 I would say it depends upon the car/truck manufacture or the manufacture of the individual struts. Most center strut shafts are hard chromed. I wouldn't heat them in the forge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George N. M. Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 if it is chromed you may be able to remove the plating in an acid bath. I'd use hydrochloric/mueriatic and soak it overnight. There are a number of threads about removing plating chemically. Do NOT remove it with a wire wheel because you will then be breathing in the chrome dust. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeJustice Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 I have a couple shock shafts I cut off from old shocks. They have been sitting out for quite a while now and are showing no signs of oxidation. VERY likely they are chrome plated. I doubt that a wire wheel would remove the chrome, maybe after using a lot of wheels, due to the chrome being so hard. It would take some grinding but don't do that either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 If you strip plating chemically you end up with having to dispose of a serious hazmat. If you have a plating shop they can strip it safely for a price. I'd rather just buy some medium-high carbon or straighten a piece of coil spring. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason W Posted May 4, 2022 Author Share Posted May 4, 2022 Thanks for the replies guys, I'm not going to risk it for the little free steel that I might get. I'll stick to coil springs, sway bars and tie rods for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 Good Plan! I actually bought two of Glenn's "In Rust We Trust" T shirts to remind me not to bring home steel that may have toxic coatings on it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted May 4, 2022 Share Posted May 4, 2022 Being safe is a VALUABLE commodity. Good choice. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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