8 Essential Types of Tongs Every Blacksmith Needs to Know About

If you’re a blacksmith, then tongs are an essential tool for your work. They help you hold and manipulate hot metal, which is crucial for shaping it into the desired form. However, choosing the right tongs can be overwhelming given the variety of options available in terms of size, shape, and material.

Here’s a list of 8 types of tongs that every blacksmith should consider:

1. Flat Bit Tongs: These are versatile tongs that can grip both flat and round stock.

2. Wolf Jaw Tongs: These have a V-shaped jaw that is perfect for holding square or rectangular stock.

3. Bolt Tongs: These have a rounded jaw that makes them ideal for gripping circular objects like bolts and rings.

4. Pick Up Tongs: As their name suggests, these are designed to pick up small pieces of metal without having to touch them with your hands.

5. Box Jaw Tongs: These have jaws that are shaped like boxes and can securely hold flat or irregularly shaped objects.

6. Scroll Tongs: If you need to make scrolls or curves on your metalwork, then these specialized tongs are perfect as they have jaws with curved shapes.

7. Rivet Header Tongs: These are used specifically for making rivets by holding the head while hammering on the tail end to form it into place.

8. Hollow Bit Tongs: Finally, if you want to create hollow forms in your work like bowls or cups with open ends, then these tongs will come in handy as they allow you to grip the insides of such items without damaging them.

In conclusion, selecting the right kind of tong depends on what kind of work you do most often as well as personal preference when it comes down to things like handle length and materials used in construction etcetera!