How Do You Harden Steel With Motor Oil?
Hardening steel with motor oil is a way of performing what is called the case hardening of steel. Pure steel is actually too soft for many applications. In order to put a hard layer on the steel, carbon must be fused at the molecular level into the top centimeter or so of the steel. One way to do this is to make the steel red-hot, then plunge it into motor oil. The carbon in the motor oil bonds with the top layer of red-hot steel molecules and forms a tough outer covering on the steel. One last step is necessary, however, before your hardened steel is ready to work with. Heat the steel using a torch or a furnace with bellows. Continue until the steel glows red-hot. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective clothing, heavy gloves and eye protection. Pick up the red-hot steel with your tongs and immediately immerse it into the motor oil. Allow the steel to remain in the oil for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Remove the steel from the oil and wash the item using dish soap and wa
