Why One Pair of Tongs Won't Do

When you first light your forge, it is tempting to think that a single pair of tongs will see you through every job. In practice, hot metal comes in many shapes and sizes, and a secure grip is not a luxury—it is a safety essential. Tongs that slip can send a glowing bar across the workshop or, worse, onto your foot. The right tongs for the stock you are holding make the work safer, more controlled, and far more enjoyable. Most blacksmiths end up with half a dozen pairs, but every beginner should start with three core types: flat jaws, bolt tongs, and wolf jaws.

Flat Jaw Tongs: The Versatile Starting Point

Flat jaw tongs are exactly what they sound like: two flat jaws that close parallel to each other. They are the workhorse of the beginner's tool rack because they hold flat bar, sheet metal, and square stock with equal ease. A good pair will have jaws that are slightly curved or have a gentle step, which helps to grip the work without marring it. Buy a pair sized to the flat bar you use most often—for many beginners, that means 5mm to 10mm thick, and 20mm to 40mm wide.

Flat jaw tongs are also the easiest to adjust. If the jaws are too wide, you can close them in a vice or with a hammer; if too tight, a little heat and a pry bar will open them. The reins should be long enough to keep your hand a comfortable distance from the heat—around 35cm to 45cm is typical. Look for a smooth pivot rivet that allows the jaws to open and close without wobble.

Bolt Tongs: For Round and Square Stock

Bolt tongs—sometimes called round jaw tongs—have a circular or semi-circular jaw that cups round bar securely. The jaws often have a small gap or notch, which allows them to grip a range of diameters without slipping. If you plan to make rivets, scrolls, or any decorative work from round bar, bolt tongs are essential. They are also useful for holding square stock if the jaws are sized correctly, though a dedicated square jaw pair is better for heavy forging.

Bolt tongs are sized by the diameter of the stock they hold. A pair marked "10mm" will grip a 10mm round bar snugly. Do not buy a pair that is too large—a loose grip on round stock is a recipe for disaster. If you work with several diameters, you may need two or three pairs, but start with the size you use most. The jaws should meet evenly along their length, and the reins should feel balanced in your hand.

Wolf Jaw Tongs: The All-Rounder

Wolf jaw tongs have a distinctive stepped or V-shaped jaw that can grip flat, square, and round stock of various sizes. The name comes from the jaw's resemblance to a wolf's mouth, but the practical benefit is versatility. A single pair of wolf jaw tongs can replace two or three other pairs for light forging, making them a favourite for beginners who are still building their tool collection.

They are not as secure as bolt tongs on round stock, nor as flat as flat jaw tongs on sheet, but they are good enough for most general work. Wolf jaw tongs are particularly handy for holding square bar while you draw it out, or for gripping a piece of flat stock at an angle. Look for a pair with a deep V and a flat section at the bottom of the jaw—this gives you the best grip on both flat and round material. They are an excellent second or third pair, but not a replacement for the specialised jaws above.

Which Pair Should You Buy First?

If you can only afford one pair to start, buy flat jaw tongs sized to the flat bar you will use most. If you already know you will be working with round bar, buy a pair of bolt tongs instead. Wolf jaw tongs are a great third purchase, but they are a compromise.

• Flat jaw tongs: first choice for flat bar and general work.
• Bolt tongs: first choice if you work with round stock.
• Wolf jaw tongs: versatile all-rounder for mixed shapes.

When buying, check the fit: the jaws should close evenly and hold your stock without rattle. The reins should be long enough to keep your hand cool, and the pivot should be tight but smooth. Cheap tongs with a loose rivet or soft jaws will frustrate you; a well-made pair will last a lifetime.

Fit, Care, and a Note on Making Your Own

Whatever tongs you buy, look after them. Keep the pivot lightly oiled—a drop of engine oil or beeswax once a month is plenty. Do not use them as a hammer or a pry bar, and avoid quenching them in water while they are hot, as this can crack the steel. Store them near the forge so they are always to hand.

As your skills grow, you may want to make your own tongs. Forging a pair from 12mm round or square bar is a classic beginner project, and it teaches you a great deal about drawing out, punching, and riveting. But start with a bought pair or two—they will keep you safe while you learn, and you can copy their proportions when you feel ready to make your own. A blacksmith's tongs are an extension of the hand, and the right three pairs will serve you for years.