Blacksmith Tongs

[David R. Pennington]

Here is an interesting pair of original blacksmith made tongs I picked up the other day. They feature compound leverage with adjustable jaws and are locking, (note ring and hook at end of reins). Early inspiration for vise grip pliers?

[David R. Pennington]

The picture didn't load, oops.

[Robert Wolfe]

Very cool!

[KNeilson]

Early inspiration for vise grip pliers?

What Ive always been led to believe. I read a few articles on this subject when Irwin took the manufacturing to China bout ten years ago. Tong rings or a similar device are nothing new in the blacksmith world, greatly eases stress on the hands, wrists.  Heres a method I use when I`m making tongs that I want to lock, A hook on one rein and small fuller on other. Tongs are shaped to hold the tool/ work etc, amazingly good grip can be had.... Old (really old) tongs can also be a good source for WI 

[David R. Pennington]

K, I have a few rings of different sizes for locking down reins but often they are hard to locate. The permanent ring is better. I pick up usable old tongs when I find them reasonable. After I made my first set I realized what a bargain the used ones are. I reshape them and repair as needed.

[KNeilson]

David, you said

but often they are hard to locate

Do you mean while you are holding on to something that really should be watched, as opposed to looking around your feet and patting pockets..   I seem to be an expert at that. Interesting old tongs, My guess on their use is for gripping flat material of varied thickness. My area has been gleaned pretty well of these kinds of tools, but I still keep my eyes open for the odd gem  also.... 

[David R. Pennington]

I stay very busy, half my time I spend hiding my stuff, the other half looking for it.