(57) The invention relates to a metal tie buckle (1) made from a single piece of rounded
wire that has been bent into a predetermined configuration, wherein two pairs of strap
engaging arms (3,5,9,13) that are essentially parallel to one another are provided
for securing the buckle (1) to the strap (23). The buckle (1) has been treated with
a hardening process, such as carburizing, carbonitriding, nitriding and induction
hardening, that strengthens and toughens the buckle (1). This helps to keep the arms
(3,5,9,13) parallel and prevents the propensity of the buckle (1) to achieve plastic
deformation, which in turn helps to prevent the strap (23) from being pinched, or
otherwise causing uneven stress on the strap (23), which could result in premature
failure of the strap (23).
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