Forge Your Own Tongs: A Practical Guide to Toolsmithing

There’s a quiet satisfaction in making the tools you use. As the scripture reminds us, the smith shapes the iron, and in turn, the forging process shapes the smith. Few things embody that truth more than crafting your own tools. Buying tongs can quickly drain your budget – $20 to $50 a pair is a serious investment, especially when you need different types for various jobs. Fortunately, there’s a practical and affordable solution: forging your own from rebar.

Todd with a Hammer recently shared a great video demonstrating the process, and we're breaking it down for you here. This isn't just about saving money; it's about learning the fundamentals of toolsmithing, understanding how moving parts work, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft.

Gathering Your Materials and Getting Started

The beauty of this project lies in its simplicity. All you need is rebar – readily available and incredibly cheap. Todd recommends pieces around 15-16 inches long, but adjust that to your preference. He emphasizes the importance of making both halves of the tongs identically, which is a critical principle in ironwork – symmetry and balance are key to functionality and aesthetics.

Forming the Jaws

The first step is flattening the jaws, creating that crucial inch of gripping surface. Todd's technique of leaving a “lip” on the flattened section is genius – it ensures the jaws align perfectly when the tongs are assembled. Remember to spread the metal evenly, mimicking the shape of a leaf. An Italian-style anvil and double horn are a bonus for keeping things straight, but if you don't have those, a little back-and-forth hammering will do the trick. Maintaining straight, level jaws is one of the most challenging aspects of tong making.

Cooling and Pinning

Allowing the tongs to cool slowly prevents hardening, which would make drilling difficult. Drilling is Todd’s preferred method for creating the pin hole, offering greater accuracy. However, drifting is a perfectly viable alternative for those without a drill.

Final Touches

Before assembly, Todd takes the tongs to the grinder for a final cleanup, ensuring smooth operation. He then uses a small bolt as the pin, demonstrating a practical approach to fastening. This is a lesson in iterative refinement – constantly testing and adjusting until the tool functions precisely as intended. It’s a mindset every Master Smith cultivates.

This project is a fantastic entry point into toolsmithing, offering a tangible reward for your efforts. It’s a chance to apply fundamental forging techniques – drawing out, upsetting (though not explicitly demonstrated here), and of course, the precision required for creating moving parts.

If you’re looking to expand your skillset, consider attending a Live Workshop at HolyPlaces or a Field Trip to a working smithy. There’s no substitute for hands-on instruction from experienced artisans.

The forge calls to us. Are you ready to answer?