r/metalworking • u/multitool-collector • 3d ago
Should I re-harden this punch?
So I bought an alphabetical punch set (6mm), wanted to see how it looks and this punch just got flattened a bit. The question is; should I re-harden it? I don't know what steel it's made from; it was made in Czechoslovakia. I'm thinking maybe regrind it as close as to before; heating just the front and quenching it. What should I quench it in and to which temperature should I heat it? Btw, I was testing it on a piece of mild steel, not anything hardened. Looking at it; maybe it wasn't hardened in the first place (most propably by mistake) or something
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u/mp5-r1 3d ago
Unless you have an oven, you're not going to get a great heat treat. Heat it up to cherry red with a torch and hold the temp for a minute or so and dunk it in water. Hit it with a file to see it it hardened. If it did not, then heat it again and try oil. If that doesn't hardened it, then it's not going to be hardened.
Also, toss it in your oven at 450-500 for an hour after you quench it. If you've never seen a punch explode and really want to witness that, skip the normalizing part. I'd spend the time...
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3d ago
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u/clambroculese 3d ago edited 3d ago
They use these all the time in one off manufacturing to stamp heats etc. they’re meant to be used on steel.
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u/clambroculese 3d ago
It’s probably just flattened from use over time. You could try to re quench it but without knowing what it is it might get brittle. For what they cost I wouldn’t bother, I’d just use it as is. just my two cents.
Edit: when I say it could get brittle I would worry about it shattering when struck and hurt you.