the present invention relates to a roller cone drill bit that includes a bit body adapted to be rotated about a longitudinal axis , where the bit body has at least one leg depending therefrom , wherein the leg comprises a treated portion that provides a residual compressive stress , and a roller cone rotatably mounted on a journal . the treated portion treatment may comprise one selected from shot peening , laser - shock peening , and hammer peening . further , the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a roller cone drill bit that includes inducing a compressive stress , through plastic deformation , in at least a portion of at least one leg depending from a bit body . the inducing a compressive stress may comprise one selected from shot peening , laser - shock peening , and hammer peening .