About Blacksmith Tongs

Blacksmiths have an ancient and colorful tradition. The working of metal helped to civilize the world, and blacksmiths led the way for many years. From horseshoes to swords, blacksmiths have been an important part of many cultures. Among the tools at the blacksmith's disposal were his tongs. Without these important tools, the blacksmith of yesteryear would have had a hard time getting his work done.

History

The art of the blacksmith goes back to before recorded history and starts with the invention and cultivation of fire. Fire allowed budding blacksmiths to shape soft metals found in the earth, like bronze, into sharp and hard spear points and daggers. Iron became the metal of choice, with its use rising from 1200 B.C. forward. Wootz steel was created by blacksmiths in India by combining iron with various materials, including charcoal and glass. In the western world, the Romans began perfecting steel techniques, making complicated suites of plate and chain mail for their soldiers. Today, the art of the blacksmith is fading. Horseshoes and various as-needed products still require a blacksmith's hands, but the advent of machine production has led to the decline of this ancient skill.

Function

The function of a blacksmith's tongs is simple. Metal gets very hot when heated to the temperature needed to shape it. A blacksmith must have a way of holding the heated metal without seriously burning himself. Tongs were the perfect solution. Tongs allow a blacksmith to grip, lift and rotate red-hot metal in his forge. They also allow the blacksmith to place metal deep into burning coals so that it can be heated quickly.

Types

There are several different types of blacksmiths' tongs, each used for something different.:

Flat tongs have flat, rectangular grabbing points and are used to grip flat pieces of metal.

Bolt tongs have a rounded grabbing point and a stem that allows bars of iron or steel to be clasped, as well as metal with holes to be gripped and lifted from the hole.

Box jaw tongs and variations on them have commonly been used in sword making. The box-style grabber allows a blade of heated metal to be held inside the tongs without warping the shape.

Size

Blacksmith tongs vary in size, depending on the intended use. Smaller tongs for more delicate work usually come in at around 8 inches in length and resemble typical pliers of today. Larger tongs for things like sword and horseshoe making are usually between 14 and 15 inches. However, custom tongs can be made by a blacksmith to be just about any size if needed.

Warning

A blacksmith's art is a dangerous one and should not be tried without the proper training and supervision. Due to the use of fire as a main component, burns and property damage are significant risks. Also, the striking of hot metal with a hammer sends sparks and shards flying in different directions, and without proper safety equipment can cause blindness.

Resources

• Check out Blacksmith's Journal for a list of the top 50 blacksmithing sites.