Master the Art of Tongs: 15 Essential Techniques for Modern Blacksmiths

Introduction:

Tongs are an essential tool for blacksmiths, allowing them to securely grip and manipulate hot metal. While there are various types of tongs available in the market, many blacksmiths prefer to make their own as it allows for customization and ensures a perfect fit for their specific needs. In this article, we will explore 15 different forging techniques for making tongs that every modern blacksmith should know.

1. Flat Jaw Tongs:
The flat jaw tongs are one of the simplest designs and perfect for beginners. Start by cutting two identical pieces of steel stock, about twice the length you want your finished tongs to be. Forge one end into a flattened jaw shape while tapering the other end to form handles. Then, curve both jaws inward at a slight angle towards each other using the horn of an anvil or a bending fork.

2. Box Jaw Tongs:
Box jaw tongs have wider jaws with squared-off corners that provide better stability when gripping irregularly shaped objects. Begin by shaping your stock into two tapered handles with rounded ends. Then split one end of each handle halfway down its length and forge outwards on both sides using hammer blows until they resemble boxes.

3. Wolf Jaw Tongs:
Wolf jaw tongs feature V-shaped jaws which provide excellent grip on round stock like rods or bars without leaving marks on the material’s surface. To forge these tongs, start by flattening and tapering your chosen stock before splitting it near one end to create two prong-like sections resembling wolf jaws.

4. Bolt Tongs:
Bolt tongs are specifically designed for holding cylindrical objects such as bolts or round stock tightly during forging processes like upsetting or twisting operations where more control is needed over the workpiece. Begin by cutting a piece of steel long enough to accommodate your desired bolt size plus extra material for forming handles and reins (the part connecting handles with jaws). Shape one end into a jaw that matches the bolt’s diameter, and taper the other end to create handles.

5. Pickup Tongs:
Pickup tongs are versatile tools used for handling hot pieces of metal, allowing blacksmiths to move them safely from one location to another. Start by cutting two identical pieces of stock and forge each piece into a flattened paddle shape at one end while tapering the other end to form handles. Then, bend the paddles slightly inward towards each other using a vise or bending fork.

6. Scrolling Tongs:
Scrolling tongs are specifically designed for creating decorative scrolls in wrought ironwork or ornamental projects. Forge your stock into two tapered handles with rounded ends like those of box jaw tongs but without splitting them this time. Then, curve both jaws outward at an angle away from each other using a bending fork or scrolling jig until they resemble hooks.

7. Rivet Header Tongs:
Rivet header tongs are essential when forging rivets since they provide precise control over shaping the heads accurately and efficiently. Begin by selecting steel stock wide enough to accommodate your desired rivet size plus extra material for forming handles and reins. Shape one end into a concave surface that matches the rivet head’s diameter and taper the opposite end for creating handles.

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