What Happens When You Quench 5160 Steel In Water?

In today's video, I decide to see for myself what happens when you quench 5160 spring steel in water. But like any good old science experiment, we try various quenching methods, and use different quenches. Such as Oil, Water, and Soapy Water. We try doing full quenches, and interrupting, and at two temperatures. Quench temp at around 1530 degrees Fahrenheit (more or less), and at "black heat." Then we see just how hard each piece of steel gets. So let's see which way of quenching is the best way. Now buckle up kids, cause this video is longer than normal. Results are posted at the end of the video.
#missionforge #blacksmith #bladesmith

[@derekturner3272]

I do a lot of 5160. I've quenched in oil and parks 50 mostly, but have used water a few times. I havee never has a failure to harden. Only cracking and severe warping. One suggestion. If you want to test a material and a quenchant, it's best to grind a bevel to .030 thick to see the effect on hilt and edge locations. Water will harden 5160 in my experience, sometimes to the point of making its very brittle but almost always resulting in cracks on the thinner sections. Also, a milt HCl etch will show the internet and stress cracks better for the video. Good stuff though! Thanks for sharing.

[@missionforge6256]

Thanks for checking out the video. Were you surprised by the results? Let me know.

[@paulorchard7960]

Thanks mate, you put a lot of time into this! I have never used known steel and rely on the averages for coil and leaf springs for most of my projects, crowbars and wrecking bars is another thing as well as axles ! My heat treat is hit and miss, I have failures but learn every time!

[@missionforge6256]

I appreciate your comment. It wasn'y too bad with the testijg. Just a few hours. One of the reasons I did this was to help people with their heat treat. So I hope this helps you out a little.

[@dridahook7284]

Hello , just wondering what do you quench leaf springs in ,? Was recently given some, do they make good blades? Thanks

[@paulorchard7960]

@@dridahook7284
I always use old cooking oil first, if it doesn’t harden well enough I reheat and water harden! Oil is usually enough, depends on the steel!

[@dridahook7284]

@@paulorchard7960 thanks