Tin pest is the allotropic transformation of white, metal beta-Sn into grey, semiconductor alpha-Sn at temperatures under 13.2 degrees C. The transformation changes the mechanical and electrical properties of tin. A long time is needed for spontaneous nucleation. So, for a better understanding of the nature of the transformation, an induction of the transformation is carried out. It is proved that harsh deformation, surface treatment with HCl solution and inoculation, applied together, induce the transformation within less than 24 h. The inoculator type, among other factors, is the one with a strong influence on the transformation rate. The transformation rate is dependent on inoculator type, as well as the temperature. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.