About Tongs

Blacksmith Tongs are specialized hand tools used by blacksmiths to grip, hold, and manipulate hot metal during forging and other metalworking processes.  The style of Tongs that are used depends on what shape the metal is that is being held.

Farrier Tongs are specialized hand tools used by farriers (horseshoers) to grip, hold and manipulate hot horseshoes when they are being forged or shaped and during the “hot shoeing” process.  

Parts of Tongs:

1. Jaws:
   The business end of the tongs, shaped to hold specific profiles of metal (flat, round, square, etc.).
2. Boss (Joint):
   The thickened section where the two reins are joined, usually by a rivet. It acts as a pivot, allowing the jaws to open and close.
3. Reins (Handles):
   Long arms extending from the joint, giving the blacksmith leverage and distance from the heat. Usually around 12 to 20 inches long, depending on the size of the tongs and the work being done.

Function and Use:

Forge Tongs are essential for safely handling hot metal.

• Provide a secure grip without slipping.
• Allow precise control while forging.
• Keep hands at a safe distance from intense heat.
• Can be customized or hand-forged for specific tasks.

Types & Styles of Tongs:

Farrier Tongs are specifically designed to hold horseshoes.  The most common Tongs used by the Farrier are:

·       Fire Tongs: features a short round flat jaws with a bowl shape on the top and bottom jaw to hold flat horseshoes.  Comes in several sizes to accommodate different thicknesses of horseshoes.

• Hot Fitting Tongs: has prongs to hold a horseshoe up to the horses hoof.

Blacksmith Tongs are available in a wide variety of styles, each designed to grip different shapes, sizes, and types of metal stock. Here's a breakdown of the most common blacksmith tong styles and their intended uses:

For holding flat stock.

• Flat Jaw Tongs:
1. Close Mouth Tongs will have the jaws touch at the tip when the handles are squeezed even when they are not holding anything.
2. Open Mouth Tongs will have a gap in the top and bottom jaw even when the handles are squeezed.
3. Duckbill Tongs are used for holding thin flat stock such as sheet metal. 
• Box Jaw Tongs: The bottom jaw will be flat with a guide on each side to prevent flat bar from shifting while the top jaw is a flat tongue to hold the metal from the top.  The bottom jaw is available in different widths to accommodate different widths of flat stock.
• Offset Bot Jaw Tongs: Features a U-shaped jaw on the top and bottom but the jaw to hold flat stock.  The jaw is not in line with the handles but offset allowing for holding longer lengths of metal without hitting the holder’s hand.  Offset Box Jaw Tongs are made to hold specific size stock.

For holding square or round stock

·       Wolf Jaw Tongs: Versatile; can grip square or round stock side to side or straight out.

• V-Bit Tongs: Hold square or round bars securely in the “V” shape.
• V-Bit Bolt Tongs: Designed for round or square stock.

For holding railroad spikes

• Railroad Spike Tongs: holds the Railroad Spike by the head
• 3/4” V-Bit Bolt Tongs: holds the Railroad Spike by the shank

For creating scrolls and curves in decorative metal work

• Scrolling Tongs

 V-Bit Tongs (V-Jaw Tongs) – Available in several versions: Straight V-Bit, Gooseneck, V-Bilt Bolt

• Use: Holding square or round stock.
• Jaw shape: Has a V-shaped groove in the jaws.
• Pros: Grips material tightly from multiple angles; very popular for beginners and general use.

 Wolf Jaw Tongs – Often recommended for the beginning blacksmith

• Use: Extremely versatile; can grip a range of sizes and shapes.
• Jaw shape: Multiple gripping surfaces, like a "wolf’s mouth."
• Pros: Great all-purpose tongs for various tasks.

 Scrolling Tongs – Larger version of needle nose pliers – available in different sizes

• Jaw shape: Tapered round, thicker near the bolt, thinner at the tip
• Pros: Ideal for ornamental ironwork.

Rivet Tongs - Rivet & Hammer Eye Tongs-Blacksmith Forge Supplies & Farrier Tools - Centaur Forge

• Use: Holding rivets or small round stock.
• Jaw shape: Small round jaws.
• Pros: Precision grip on small, round items.

Railroad Spike Tongs - Railroad Spike Tongs-Blacksmith Forge Supplies & Farrier Tools - Centaur Forge

• Shape: Custom jaws that grip railroad spikes.
• Use: Specifically for forging railroad spike knives or tools.