Defeat The Red

[mongo02]

Hey guys I was wondering how to make the jump from blue to red. I was able to bend all the iron mind nails less the red, in about two weeks. I have attempted the red and was just barely able to start a visible bend. Is there any intermediate bending stock between the red and blue so I can work up. Also I bend with a double underhand grip if that makes a difference. Should I take up sledge work? Lastly how much time should I take for rest between bending sessions? in a typical session I bend 1 yellow 2 blue and 3 60d nails.

[liam.mccaffrey]

i would say start looking to bend 7" and 7.5" stock now in prep for the red, as for intermediate stock

that would be 1/4" hex 1/4" stainless and then 1/4" square stock

i dont know which is tougher 1/4" hex or stainless as i have never bent 1/4" hex, but 1/4" square it a lot harder

good bending by the way, I was the same as you after about 2 weeks then it took me another 5 weeks untill i could benda new tough red

good progress keep it up

[Jedd Johnson]

Moving on to Grade 5 and 8 bolts (cap screws) is the norm. Most people bend a red nail shortly after succeeding with a Grade 8, provided they have the shoulder and elbow flexibility to mount the longer 7 inch red nail.

[ObsceneJester]

People have said to kink a harder piece of steel and work on it from different angles.. I would start on some hexagonal steel when you can do about a 5.5" piece move on to the G5, when you can take that to about 5.5 inches or so try the Grade 8 bolt once you can get that start working on 7.5" square then 7" square all along still working on the ISO training with the red nails that you've kinked..

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