Hello everyone,
lately Ive been attempting to create my own set of tools, namely a set of tongs from some scrap rebar (I know rebar is basically junk, but i figured I could at least get the technique down) and ive run into the problem of the metal cracking, and sometimes breaking completely. I assume this is a case of weak, or bad steel. Is there another type of scrap I could practice on, say RR spikes, since they are generally at least considered a Medium quality steel. I realize of course this would take considerably more time drawing out, and shaping the metal to the desired shape, however time isnt much of an issue for me since I enjoy it all the same.

I eagerly await any suggestions or input
-Corey