Small frame Xmas tree turning blue when heated

[scooterslag]

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?

[Joe shields]

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