Invisible shelving brackets

[BUB 209]

I made some invisible shelving brackets by welding a lag bolt minus head to the end of a 1/8" steel plate approximately 1" wide by 4" long. I mounted them using a portalign type of attachment on a drill to go into the wall studding, so they'd come out of the wall at 90 degrees. They work pretty well but would bend if enough force was applied, so I was wondering if they might be stronger if made from spring steel. My question is, does spring steel retain its properties after being welded?

[TeamCasa]

When welding spring steel I like to TIG weld with 312 stainless or music wire, clean area, then heat with a torch. Let it turn yellow - brown - purple and then just as it starts to turn blue, stop heating. Do not quench it.

As for the woodworking part of this thread, I clean the shop of all wood shavings and chips prior to any welding.

Dave