5160 or 1095

S

seibukan

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
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4
I plan on recycling some old leaf springs and it’s my understanding that most leaf springs are either 1095 or 5160. Is there a way for me to tell the difference between the two?

thanks
 
I'm no expert, but it's my understanding that older leaf springs were made of 5160, and 1095 is usually found in things such as old files and the like.

So, if it's leaf spring, it's likely 5160.

Andy
 
It can be either, but I can't tell you how to tell the difference. The only thing I can tell you is that if water hardened, 1095 will throw real bright sparks if struck with a flint, and will do so easily. Most, if not all, flintlocks, have frizzens of 1095. I don't think 5160 would come anywhere near matching it in comparison for this.
 
mete said:
A spark test would be the easiest way.
Click to expand...

Can i do a spark test with the steel as is (still in spring form) or do i need to water harden it first. What I should be looking for in the sparks to determine which is which?

Thanks again
 
I have tested many (obviously not all) and have never found one that was not 5160. If you really want to know, you could send me a small piece and I will test to confirm.
Matt Doyle
 
The spark test is looking at the type of sparks thrown when the piece is ground on at high speeds. Different elements and different concentrations can have a noticable effect on the color, type and distance of the sparks. It helps to have known samples to compare.

As for the composition of leaf springs, while 10XX (commonally 1095 or 1080) and 5160 are common, other alloys are used depending on what is cheap that fills the intended purpose when bought.

ron
 
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