This work presents the techniques used in an experimental design leading to evaluating the behavior of an independent variable force (P), ranging from 500 up to 2500 N, 27 minimum revolution number (n), average 54 and maximum 110 rev/min and 0.075, 0, 125 and 0.25 mm/rev advance for determining the dependent hardness (H) pattern when AISI 1045 steel test tubes were subjected to surface rolling for creating a compressive state deforming and increasing its resistance to abrasive wear and fatigue. The variables involved in the process were statistically analysed, revealing increased hardness ranging from 220 up to 262 HV. Optical microscopy was used for analysing the effect of hardening caused by deformation, establishing a mechanism for hardening steel by the elements in the crystalline network sliding due to burnishing.