I absolutely agree it is not heat related now. I pulled about 5 more out and grabbed just the tip with a pair of needle nose. The tip broke off, right behind the barb, with very little effort. Tried the same thing with other sickle hooks I have and they all just bent. Could be any number of manufacturing issues. Im throwing the rest in the trash and moving on. Thanks for all the responses.

"I'd rather be fishing!"
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