Chris, you are seeing the same variation I have seen. There are many types of Grade 2 bolts. Each company that makes them, makes them a little different. So there is another factor of difficulty variation as well, let alone the ones that come from the same manufacturer.

What I suggest is getting some of the harder ones and putting a pre-kink in them like I talk about in my ebook. Then finish it off naturally.

As far as your technique, could you video tape yourself and send me the electronic video? I could then post it here and give you some suggestions.

Thanks,

-Jedd-

I myself have noticed a big difference between stock. I have only been bending for about 4 months, and started out with the FBBC beginner’s bag. I worked my way up to the Grade 2 bolts in there and crushed them. Cut them down shorter and I still crush them like tin foil. When I started to run low, I went to the local hardware store to buy some more G2s. Same length and thickness, but I can just barely put a kink in them! Same thing with some 60D timber ties I picked up from Home Depot. A few of the different steel progressions I’ve seen or been given have the timber ties listed as around the same difficulty, sometimes easier, as the 6×1/4 G2 bolt. Yet the nails I have refuse to move!

To say the least, the variation does take a big psychological toll. Occasionally I will try and hit those bolts or nails that I bought, but couldn’t do. Everytime I try them and they don’t move, it frustrates the hell out of me. Unfortunately, these moments can lead to doubt in yourself. Is something wrong with my technique? Maybe I’m not as strong as I thought I was? What if I am never able to bend these and I’m stuck at the same piece of stock forever? There were days where it took me a good deal of motivation to keep at it, especially since I’m a beginner. Those were the times where I needed to pick up the stock that I KNOW I can do, and crush it do dust, then sit back and look at the conquered piece of steel and say “I did that”.