10 Types of Tongs Every Blacksmith Should Know About
Tongs are one of the most essential tools in blacksmithing. They are used to hold, manipulate, and move hot metal pieces safely. Without tongs, it would be impossible to shape or forge metal by hand.
In this post, we will discuss different types of tongs that a blacksmith may use in their workshop. There is a wide range of tongs available on the market, each designed for specific purposes and applications.
1. Flat Tongs
Flat tongs are the most common type of tong used in blacksmithing. These tongs have flat jaws that provide a good grip on flat surfaces such as bars or plates. They come in various sizes and designs, with some having long handles for better leverage.
2. Round Tongs
Round tongs have rounded jaws that make them ideal for holding round or cylindrical objects such as rods or pipes. Like flat tongs, they come in different sizes and styles depending on the diameter of the object you need to hold.
3. Wolf Jaw Tongs
Wolf jaw tongs feature an S-shaped jaw design that allows for a secure grip on tapered objects such as axe heads or chisels. The wolf jaw design works by gripping tightly when pressure is applied but releases quickly when pressure is released.
4. Bolt Tongs
Bolt tongs have V-shaped jaws that allow them to grip bolts and nuts securely without slipping off easily while turning them with ease.
5. Plier Tongs
Plier tings look like pliers but have longer handles than average pliers which makes it easier to handle hot items from afar without worry about being burnt
6.V-Bit Tons
V-bit tons work well when holding square stock because they can apply equal pressure at two points at once so there’s no twisting during forging
7.Riveting Tons
Riveting tons are perfect if your project involves rivets since they allow users to hold the hot rivet in place easily while hammering it flat.
8. Pick Up Tongs
Pick up tongs are great for moving large or heavy pieces of metal, like when you need to transfer a piece from one work table to another
9. Universal Bolt Tongs
Universal bolt tongs can be used with various sizes of bolts and nuts thanks to their adjustable jaw design that enables them to grip different diameters securely.
10. Box Jaw Tongs
Box jaw tongs have rectangular-shaped jaws that make them ideal for holding square or rectangular stock so there’s no slipping during forging.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of tong depends on the project at hand and the shape of the metal being worked on. Familiarizing yourself with different types of tongs will help you select the best tool for each job and improve your efficiency as a blacksmith. It is also important to ensure that your tongs are made from high-quality materials such as steel or iron, which will withstand heat and last longer.