DST what metal

[tlivin]

Iam starting to make my own DST. What is the best metal for the triggers. mild steel or high carbon steel. Any advise would be appreciated.

[kutter]

For the one and only set I ever made for myself, I used CRS and case hardened it with casenite.
Easy metal to work, easy method to harden it.

I don't know if that's the 'best' metal to use, but it worked out well.

[greybeard]

I made this set with CRS and hardened with kasenite.

[Metalshaper]

these are Mild steel and hardened with Kasenite!!

Respect Always
Metalshaper/Jonathan

[Dphariss]

Iam starting to make my own DST. What is the best metal for the triggers. mild steel or high carbon steel. Any advise would be appreciated.

Mild steel casehardened with an extra compound/soak at the contact edges.
High carbon steel is OK but it must be carefully tempered to stand the impact.
Dan

[tlivin]

Thanks everyone. Iam just getting started with the triggers. Metalshaper that underhammer is beautiful.

[Acer Saccharum]

I'd go with mild steel, casehardened. It is easy to work, yet can be hardened where you need it with a casehardening, tempered back in areas that need toughness and wear resistance, such as pivot holes and striker bars, tempered back to spring hardness for the finger levers. Leave the trip edges very hard. Casehardening gives one a lot of control.

As Dan says, high carb or 0-1 toolsteel can be a little less forgiving when the parts are subjected to impact. A more careful hardening and tempering is required.