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How to Harden Copper With a Torch

Copper, a common metal found in plumbing, electronics and other applications, is sought after for its thermal and electrical conductivity properties. Copper is a very soft metal that when pure can be bent and shaped to some degree by hand. This softness is often found as inconvenient and is frequently blended with other alloys to harden it in commercial production. Applying heat to any metal and then controlling its rate of cooling will allow you to adjust the density of the metal, which can be done in the comfort of your own home.

Things You'll Need

Copper
Tongs
Propane torch
Bucket of peanut oil

Instructions

- 1
  Light your propane torch and apply heat evenly over the surface of your copper, held with a pair of tongs.
- 2
  Move the white tip at the base of the blue flame evenly over the surfaces of your piece of copper until the entire piece develops a red hot glow over its surface.
- 3
  Plunge the copper evenly and uniformly into the peanut oil-filled bucket. Cooling heated steel rapidly will harden it, while allowing it to cool naturally at room temperature will soften it.
- 4
  Repeat the process of heating and submersing the copper into the peanut oil until the desired hardness has been attained. Peanut oil should be used as it has a high flash point, preventing the risk of fire.

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