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What steel for tongs?

One of the things I learned while attending a basic blacksmith techniques course earlier this year was several ways to make tongs. I want to re-inforce the lessons learned and make a few tongs to use in my small shop. What type (not shape) of steel stock do I need?

Rick

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By rickevans at 07/21/2006 - 8:57am | Blacksmithing HowTo/Troubleshooting: | Tools

steel

Making tongs from "tool" steel is risky because we have a tendency to quench to cool. I have broken two tongs made from coil spring after quenching.(OK, don't quench red hot,duh.) Mild steel will produce springyness if done right. I have even made tongs from pattern welded cable(too pretty to use). Use what you have, but stay away from air hardening.

By dan tull at Fri, 07/21/2006 - 9:13am | login or register to post comments

Steel

But I don't actually have any stock that I think will work. Like you, I've been collecting scavenged steel, like coil and leaf springs for blades and tools and tomahawks. I want to start with stock 3/4" or 5/8" square, maybe even smaller to use for practice and learning as I go over the lessons, so I need to go buy stock somewhere other than the Home Depot rack.

I cannot think of any reason why plain ol' common mild steel (1035) wouldn't work just fine, but I am a greencoal blacksmith so though it best to ask the question.

R. C. (Rick) Evans

By rickevans at Fri, 07/21/2006 - 10:10am | login or register to post comments