Two unalloyed steel wires with 2 to 2. 5 mm diameter were drawn twice before and during transformation of the metastable austenite in the patenting bath. Reduction rates were 20 to 150 m/min. and total reductions in cross section were 8. 9 to 35. 3%. The strength properties of the wires were increased, and toughness was unchanged or improved by the treatment. The strength values obtained were unchanged or improved by subsequent cold working; drawability remained unchanged.