Is this a strong, durable piece of steel that can take abuse? I'm thinking about using it on a small project.
If you made up the right rigging you could probably suspend a Volkswagon with that, but certainly a refrigerator. It's flexible as steel goes - it's not rigid like tool steel, for instance. Since you ask about tempering and you are shopping at Home Depot, it should be just fine for a home project, if it looks like it will suit. Building a bridge or a machine tool, no.
Hey Ramzi, I met this chick and was wondering if you could tell me if she would make a good wife. Here's your answer: Big Blue, there are a hundred bits of information I would need, and even then there are mysterious factors that affect the outcome. So basically, I don't have the slightest idea. My answer to your question is exactly the same. Without showing exactly how the Simpson Tie is being used, there is obviously no way to know if it is suitable. Can it be tempered? Sure, but again, I give it a 99% likelihood it will not help in your application. Explain it in detail in 5 to 10 sentences. Give us diagrams and photos. If you can't or won't do that, here's Plan B. Head over to your nearest machine shop, and ask the machinist what he thinks. He will ask the probing questions to understand the needs of the part. It is likely a Simpson Tie won't do it but he is in a good position to suggest a workable approach, and then sell it to you. By the way, if this is a load-supporting member of a motorcycle or some other fast moving vehicle, be prepared to get kicked out of the machine shop. The risk of making an error is high and the outcome extremely dangerous. I would not risk a million dollar lawsuit in order to sell you a $10 part.
I think it might be a bit brittle and could break from metal fatigue.
Your terms of strong and durable are not specific enough to know what you really need. Are you describing an application where you are using this as a spring or a structural support? Here is description home depot provides: Simpson Strong-Tie straps and plates join and reinforce joints with simple, versatile solutions for a wide range of connections. Available in many lengths, widths and thicknesses, YOur temcan be used on the wide or narrow face of lumber for light repairs or heavy-duty projects. Many straps are designed to be used back-to-back on a piece of lumber without fastener interference. A versatile, medium-duty strap for a variety of connections and splices Designed for use on the edge of 2x members, with a nailing pattern that reduces potential for splitting Install where plates or soles are cut, at wall intersections and as ridge ties 12 in. Length Made from 18-Gauge steel Stainless Steel offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications Install with 10d common nails If your application sounds like what they describe you should be fine. If it doesn't you may have trouble. As far as tempering your stainless I doubt you will be successful. If you take a magnet and it is not attracted to this strap, the strap is 304 SS. 304SS only gains strength through work hardening (making it thinner by rolling) Heat treating doesn't affect it.
