question about pin punches

fast14riot

fast14riot

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Oct 27, 2010
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I have a couple broken pin punches and on the package it states it is heat treated high carbon steel. Does anyone know what steel is commonly used for these? I thought it would be a good piece to practice forging on, and am wondering if it can make a decent knife as well. I would call the company, but it is Sunday and their site doesn't specify the alloy. Is something like 1045 considered high carbon?


-Xander
 
Not sure about the punches, I don't want to hijack your thread, but want to share that the Channel lock pliers brand pliers are made of 1080 steel. I looked it up because I have a couple pair that are broken or, have worn teeth....I thought they might make something useful....and sharp. :-)
 
Could be many alloy types. Probably will make a knife, but will make a better punch or marking tool. Re-grind them into something useful and re-do the HT based on 1080. You will gain some HT practice that way.
An "X" would be a neat punch to make things with.
 
Stacy, thanks for the advice, that sounds like a good idea. Of course the ones that break are the small ones 1/16" and 3/32" which break at the base of the taper. I will aneal it and play with it. Maybe a new center punch, or an X like you suggested. I guess I need to build a coffee can forge now so I can get it hot enough, I don't have a MAPP gas bottle right now. Although I did get a "ghetto anvil" ,as Charlie Mike would call it, set up so maybe just beating on hot steel would be fun and stress relieving. Still very new to all this so just wanting to try out everything I can.


-Xander
 
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