[TheForge] tools

[Bruce Freeman]

Frosty,
Good description of twist tongs.  But they can get even simpler than
that if we don't insist on blacksmith purism.

Start with stock that's at least half-inch, and perhaps 3/4" wide. 
Instead of punching a hole (difficult for a beginner without
instruction), drill a 1/4" (or less) hole for the pivot.  Then use a
grade 5 or better bolt or screw for the pivot, instead of a rivet, and
either use two nuts jammed together instead of heading over a rivet. 
The key here is to use a tough bolt (grade 5 or better) of a fairly
small diameter (1/4" maximum, preferably less, like #10), which enables
use of a smaller pivot.

If the stock is soft enough, the twist can even be done cold.  (Use a
solid vise and a large monkey wrench, separated by about twice the stock
width.)

Is it elegant?  No.  But for a first pair of tongs it will serve. 
Get's your hands further away from the heat so you can make a better
pair on your second try.

Bruce
NJ