Results of researches of deformation methods of surface nanostructuring and hardening of steels with martensitic, pearlitic and austenitic structure are reviewed. A novel method of ultrasonic impact-friction treatment is considered. Combined methods of nanostructuring treatment (friction treatment + annealing) are suggested for a metastable Cr - Ni steel. It is shown that saturation of the steel with nitrogen under a plasma treatment can be activated due to a preliminary nanostructuring friction treatment.