Perhaps someone can chime in here. I've been discussing the progress of my crossbow over at Primitive Archer's forum, and the discussion has led to the topic of heat treating sears and ticklers.

Does anyone do this? The method I am using is a 3/8" threaded bolt screwed into the rolling nut, as per Kurt's (Knight's Armoury) build along. He, as far as I can tell, does not heat treat these parts.

One option is to heat treat / temper using a Mapp torch, which I have in my shop. Another is to use Grade 8 vs. Grade 5 bolts, which are fairly easy to find. Another is to find a hardened threaded bolt, whiich is not easy to find, I think. My local auto parts store doesnt carry them, so I'd have to find a vendor online, probably.

Besides the sear, the tickler where it engages the sear may need heat treating as well.

Or, am I worried for no reason? The crossbow will be about 175 lb. draw.

Thanks,

Dane

Check out the late Robin Allen's website:
http://www.thecrossbowmansden.com/Triggers.html
Lots of info there

Todd

Todd, thanks. Great info!

Dane

Dane,
In my experience, the working faces and edges of both the nut insert and the trigger are subject to both wear and deformation if they are not hard.
I make my nut inserts out of water hardening drill rod. I harden the working face with a torch while holding the insert by the tang so that tang will remain soft enough to pein up. Kasinit works OK for case hardening the working face of the trigger, but making the "nose" of the trigger out of hardenable stuff will give better results. In any case, I draw the temper to a dark straw.

Thanks, Mac.

Dane

You're welcome Dane.

Mac