Back down the Steel Bending Rabbit Hole

A friend of mine proposed adding steel bending to an upcoming competition.  He wanted to start out with 20d galvanized nails and 6" timber ties which are excellent choice, but I was not certain that my daughter could bend them.  I am not certain that I can bend them, but will pick up a box of 20d to give it a try.

She has attempted my 3/16" rod at 6" (120 pounds) with no success.  I have some other steel from The Short Steel Bending Company.

3/16" rod 6" = 120 pounds

3/16" rod 5" = 140 pounds

7/32" rod 7" = 160 pounds

20d nails are 3/16" by 4" and should be in the neighborhood of 150-160 pounds

60d timber ties are supposed to be more challenging

We started with what could be easily sourced at Ace Hardware

4-40 x 6" - too easy

6-32 x 6" - too easy

8-32 x 6" - little more of a challenge

I need to buy some 10-32 x 6" for her to try.

I also started on a different road, buying 1/8" rod from Lowe's.  I could cut them fairly easily with a hack saw and then ground the ends for safety.

1/8" rod x 6" - not bad - estimated 7" at 30 pounds; 6" should be 40 pounds

1/8" rod x 5" - a little harder - 5" should be 50 pounds

1/8" rod x 4" - tough - 4" should be 70 pounds

Next step will be buying 20d nails from Lowes along with 3/16" rod stock.  I am guessing we will find a wall with one of these.

3/16" x 7" - 100 pounds

3/16" x 7.5" - 90 pounds

3/16" x 8" - 80 pounds

Just to check where I was at:

3/16" x 6 inch - 120 pounds - could bend

7/32" x 7 inch - 160 pounds - could get a little kink, but not finish the bend