If you need to reharden your parts use Kasenit. No guess work & you know what the results will be.
Application instructions (from Kasenit) for Low Alloy or Low Carbon Steel:
There are two methods of application.
Method A: Heat the work uniformly to a bright red (1650 - 1700 degrees F), remove any scale with a wire brush, dip, roll or sprinkle the Kasenit powder on the component. The powder will melt and adhere to the surface, forming a shell around the work. Reheat to 1650 - 1700 degrees F, hold at this temperature for a few minutes and quench in to clean cold water. This will give the component a completely hard case of uniform character and depth.
Method B: If a deeper case is required, then a container for the compound can be used. A discarded can, lid or tray is suitable for this purpose, but care must be taken to burn off the tin coating before use. Completely cover the component with compound and heat to a bright red (1650 degrees F) for five to thirty minutes, depending upon the depth of case required. Quench only the component in clean, cold water unsing dry tongs for handling.
Rates of Penetration: After heating the component to 1650 F using method B,
Case depth .005, Time 15 minutes
Case depth .010, Time 30 minutes
Case depth .015, Time 40 minutes
Case depth .020, Time 50-55 minutes
Method for Cast or Tool Steel:
Heat the article to a light yellow. Deposit it in powder and leave it there until its right tempering heat is reached (see list below). Then plunge the metal into clean, cold water. This will bring out the hardness and also prevent cracking.
Heat Tempering List:
Small cutting or turning tools, cutting edges of knives, planing tools and reamers, small case hardened parts:
Light straw color, 440 F
Carbon steel milling cutters, large cutting or turning tools, slotting tools and small punches or dies:
Straw color, 460 F
Drills, small taps, profile cutters, screwing dies and hammers:
Dark straw, 480 F
Press dies, shears, wood cutting tools:
Orange, 500 F
Chisels, large punches, pressing dies and cutlery:
Light purple, 525 F
Saws, drifts, large dies and heavy chisels:
Purple, 540 F
Springs or portions of tools to be locally tempered to give maximum resilience:
Blue, 560 F