Replying to Welding Brakes?

So i was just bending my pivot brakes to fit over a wider ski. i got one set done fine and then measured out the second to bend them. So i put it in a vise and i simply hit it with a hammer to cause it to bend. the problem that occurred is the brake had to much stress on and it snapped(both legs of on brake did)

So now my question. Has anyone ever welded brakes or tired to weld them? I have the resources to weld and i can weld but i wasn't sure if it has been done.

Also does anyone know the type of metal brakes are made???? of (specifically pivots) because i was looking at it after it broke and it didn't look like cold rolled steel it looked more like an alloy.

thanks for the help NS