Why was steel of decades ago so much better quality than today?

[sixdogs]

I was working on a set of Dearborn 1950's cultivators today that had set outside for 25 or so years in Ohio. A little penetrating oil and the parts came right off. No problem. The threads were beautiful, the metal is not all scaly rust and it was a pleasure to work on it. The bolts and threads all look great and are reusable.

Fast forward to a recent implement made of steel that is already scaling and would be a mess to get apart. Exposed threads are nearly rusted away.

Why is this? What did older steel have that modern steel doesn't? Or, what is modern steel missing?

 

[Jstpssng]

I've noticed the same thing. Back then everything was made with virgin steel. Now a lot of it is recycled, some of which was rusty iron.

 

[Mendonsy]

I suspect the answer is Nickel and Chromium. The older fasteners were made from a better grade of steel that the cheap Chinese crap you can get today.

 

[MossRoad]

I was working on a set of Dearborn 1950's cultivators today that had set outside for 25 or so years in Ohio. A little penetrating oil and the parts came right off. No problem. The threads were beautiful, the metal is not all scaly rust and it was a pleasure to work on it. The bolts and threads all look great and are reusable.

Fast forward to a recent implement made of steel that is already scaling and would be a mess to get apart. Exposed threads are nearly rusted away.

Why is this? What did older steel have that modern steel doesn't? Or, what is modern steel missing?

Perhaps you should have asked "What did older steel NOT have that modern steel DOES have?" The answer is Bean Counters...

 

[jack707]

Most of the steel today come from China (PIG IRON) there no QC!

 

[BHD]

Lead paint,

 

[bcp]

I've noticed that many modern highway and railroad steel girder bridges are left unpainted. They get a very thin coat of rust, then stop. I once read it was a particular type of steel, but can't remember the name.

Bruce

 

[k0ua]

Yes, and really old steel was pretty good too.. this Pillar of steel in Delhi has been sitting outside for over 1500 years. maybe more.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_pillar_of_Delhi

 

[timbatrader]

I think it has more to do with the carbon content and some other additives the modern steels with higher carbon etc are stronger therefore the manufacturer can use smaller sections to have the same strength that's cheaper if you go back to the old wrought iron with low carbon content it lasts very well out in the weather unprotected very noticeable with old soft fence wire compared to modern high tensile wire Much as I love the easy workableity of the old stuff I wouldn't go back to it even if it was cheaper per ton and three times the price per yard

 

[bcp]

I've noticed that many modern highway and railroad steel girder bridges are left unpainted. They get a very thin coat of rust, then stop. I once read it was a particular type of steel, but can't remember the name.

Bruce

I think I found it.

Weathering steel - Steelconstruction.info

Bruce