Why do we choose carbon steel to make bike tools?
We often find various materials of bike tools in the parameter description, such as stainless steel, S2 steel, CRV (chrome vanadium steel), carbon steel, etc. In fact, although there are many kinds of steel that can be chosen. The most favorable material by bike tool manufacturers is carbon steel. Why do we use carbon steel as the main choice?
Every material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the suitable material after having clear knowledge about the characteristics.
Carbon steel is a kind of steel only contains iron and carbon. It is easily shaped and molded. Maybe you want to say it is not as tough as CRV. Regarding it is only bike tools such as bike multi-tool or spanner, we don’t need use too much strength in maintenance.
Advantages And Disadvantages
1 Price
45# carbon steel sells around USD740/ton. In the past 5 years, the material cost is steady at 10% up and down. Except for the low cost of the raw material, the processing is simple and costs less.
2 Durability
The hardness before quenching is about HRC20 to HRC30, and the hardness after tempering is about HRC50, in the application, the highest hardness can reach HRC55. Compared with 45 steel, there are 304 steel, CR12 steel, and CR13 steel. 304 steel belongs to stainless steel, and its hardness is about HRC40, CR12 steel is about HRC58, and CR13 steel is about HRC48-50.
Some materials have hard metal elements such as CRV. It is typically stronger than carbon steel tools.
3 Appearance
We can increase the anti-rust and anti-corrosion function of bike tools by electroplatings, such as zinc plating, nickel plating, and chromium plating. Chrome-plated bike tools have a shinier appearance.
4 Functionality
For bicycle tools, customers need the tools to be durable and not break, but also to be up to standard. It is important to put the bike tool right into the screw or other parts.
Carbon steel is more malleable. The amount of force needed is inversely proportional to the rigidity of the material.
We offer personalized products and some customers also request different materials to make bicycle tools. Before we start mass production, the relevant testing by professional machines is essential. Durability and flexibility results may influence your decision.
