As long as Mark mentioned chroming things, I'll do a little side track on this thread. When you chrome items, the process produces a condition in the part known as hydrogen embrittlement.
This isn't fatal, but on a loaded part, it can cause failure. The remedy for hydrogen embrittlement is a temperature soak in a oven for a period of time. I am not sure on the temperature or amount of time required, but know this can be accomplished in a kitchen range. This is how I understand it!
Stuart
