by Don Peterson
Over the years, I’ve made a number of tools from concrete nails, which are made from high-carbon steel and hardened.
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From left to right, they are: a .15” diameter punch, a 1/8” punch, a prick punch, a 3/32” punch, a recessed punch (for driving finishing nails – the punch can’t slip off), and a center punch. Heat the tip of the nail red hot with a propane torch and it will be machinable after it slowly cools. To reharden, heat and quench, then temper to a straw color.
The prick and center punches can be ground without the need for annealing. Be sure to grind a flat on the heads of the tools to keep them from rolling off the bench.
