Steel fish tape

[865resi]

The end of mine broke. How could I bend a factory end? Every time I bend it too much it breaks. Thanks

 

[ActionDave]

Heat it with a torch.

 

[LarryFine]

Correct, heating it to a dull red is hot enough to bend it without breaking it.

I can bend hooks without heating, but not pinch it quite as much as factory.

 

[gadfly56]

Correct, heating it to a dull red is hot enough to bend it without breaking it.

I can bend hooks without heating, but not pinch it quite as much as factory.

After you bend it, reheat it and do an oil quench to reharden it, otherwise the hook is liable to open up under pressure.

 

[865resi]

I just googled oil quench, it was interesting. Engine oil, food grade, mineral and transmission oils. Very interesting the things one can learn. Thanks for the tip.

 

[ActionDave]

I'm no blacksmith but as I understand it petroleum oils are rich in hydrocarbons which is beneficial for the steel. I wonder how vegetable oil reacts.

 

[865resi]

I clicked the Valvoline page and it says food grade oils have better energy impact values. This allows them to increase impact strength, etc. https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-eur/what-is-oil-quenching

 

[rambojoe]

Used oil works fine too. If you have it. Re- tempering after quinching helps... (Way less than cherry red)