Based on what I've seen on other on-line sources, there are a variety of opinions on this one. I suspect that may be the same here, but I have a greater degree of confidence in this group...

So here's the first-time builder, non-engineer situation: I have some hot-rolled mild steel, 1/4" thick. I want to put a 45 degree bend in it. It will be part of my engine lift bracket. My options are a) put it in a vice and whack the crap out of it with a hammer, or b) heat it up and whack the crap out of it. Judging from my success so far, the (a) option is not all that it's cracked up to be.

Question: If I heat this steel prior to bending, will I weaken it to any significant degree? At most, it will need to support a few hundred pounds, but I'd rather not be surprised when the engine is suspended over the frame.