Heat treating and tempering mild cold rolled steel is a process slightly more complicated than simply heating and quenching the part that you want to harden. Tempering the steel has the effect of hardening the cold rolled steel while at the same time helping to avoid the brittleness inherent in a simple heat and quench operation.

To temper the steel, you have to maintain a close watch on the temperature that the steel reaches. Heating it too much can result in fractures within the alloy that will compromise the strength of the part.

Fill the metal bucket with water until it is deep enough to completely quench the metal part you intend to temper. Place the bucket near your work area, and preheat the baking oven to 500 degrees.

Clamp the metal between the jaws of the locking pliers and put on your leather gloves. Even though you will not be touching the metal itself, the pliers will quickly grow hot enough to cause burns if you aren't careful.

Heat the part with the propane torch until it has reached a light red coloration that isn't quite pink. Check the temperature of the part with the no-touch thermometer. For mild cold-rolled steel, the part must be brought to a temperature of no less than 1,500 degrees.

Quench the part in the water until the water ceases to sizzle, and check the temperature of the part again. Its temperature should be reduced significantly. Immediately place the part into the heated oven and close the door. Bake the steel part in the hot oven for approximately one hour, checking the part occasionally with the thermometer to be certain that the part has reached the necessary temperature range.

Remove the steel part from the oven after one hour, and allow it to cool down naturally. Do not quench the part. This natural cooling process helps the steel maintain its ductility while at the same time preventing the steel from becoming brittle.