Abstract: A method of protecting an element from excessive surface wear is provided. In this method, a localized area of the element that will be subjected to excessive surface wear is exposed to induction heating for a period sufficient to heat the localized area to an elevated temperature at which the localized area undergoes austenitic transformation. The localized area is quenched, followed by tempering, and then cooling. A result of the method is a localized hardened area formed monolithically with the element and having a localized hardness that is greater than a base hardness of the element.