What Kind of Steel (heard that one before)

[flakjacket]

I'm sure that topic title has been seen many times. I picked up a used kingpin from the steer axle of a heavy truck today. They were gonna scrap it so I picked it up and thought I'd try to find out what kind of steel it is because I can get my hands on a lot of these if it turned out to be something useful.

It was too late to call our supplier so I started doing some research online. I've found some similar kingpins and it seems to point to either SAE 1137 or EN-8D. Both of which have a fairly low carbon content. I also know that they are hardened to around 50 Rockwell C.

Any ideas? If it is low carbon content, then it's not good for blades, but maybe other uses that I haven't thought of. Like I said, I can get my hands on a lot of these. I've attached pics. Thanks.

 

[Keith_H]

it may be case hardened, in that case you may be out of luck.

 

[flakjacket]

Haha! Why is that? Can you not anneal case hardened steel?

 

[mete]

If it is 1137 it wouldn't be case hardened though it might be induction or flame hardened.That is a free machining grade with high sulphur.I can't think of a good use for it.

 

[JTknives]

I say to get it tested then you will know for shure.

 

[Kim Lau]

If it is 1137 it wouldn't be case hardened though it might be induction or flame hardened.That is a free machining grade with high sulphur.I can't think of a good use for it.

Skull Basher!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

That should have been left in the scrap bin.
The time you spent dumpster diving for it could have been used to read up on steel. ( just kidding you )
Stacy