Used this to turn out AR/M4 take-down tools. Derlin has shown the best material for this project. Cut the rod into short sections & turn on lathe to correct diameter for punching out take down pins & pivot pins. The opposite end, I file to shape like a flat blade screwdriver to be used as a light scraping tool that doesn't mar. I then drill a hole near blade end for attaching to keyring. Machines well at proper speeds. Works well for my applications.