Scooterotica

Ok I know it probably wasn't the best idea but I was removing a old bearing from my xmas tree by first gently cutting away the outer race and bearing track with a Dremmel. I then decided that I would cut a small slot in the inner race and heat it up then tap it off. Anyway... went a bit mad with the heat and the bottom set of gear teeth turned blue . Now I know when you harded iron you heat it until blue then dows it in water, then heat it again blah,blah... but have I softened the metal and made the xmas tree weaker?

Yes you will probably softened it but it all depends on how long the heat was applied for I'm guessing if it turned blue it was quite a while, although you have softened it there should be no massive affect on the strength but it will now be less durable hope this helps