An Unusual (Easier?) Way To Make Blacksmith Tongs

In this video, I try a unique way to make a pair of forging tongs.
website: www.gstongs.com
email: [e-mail]
If you would like to donate any amount, click the Paypal donate button in the homepage banner. Or, Paypal directly to my email. Either way I will receive notification and recognize you for the donation in a video. Thanks. Glen

[@advance9572]

Really like this one! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@darkwaterforge2575]

Absolutely genius with myriad potential styles that you could make with that basic idea. Glen, I think you have created something that will open the world of tongs up to a LOT of people.

[@gstongs]

I will do this again and try another style. Thanks.

[@brendanesposito]

Very innovative! Nice one!

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@xXcagllariXx]

I feel like this is a great idea, but to make them more useful, after you split them just reforge the jaws into a more useful fit. The body and everythings lined up, just forge the jaws into whatever you need. They seem quick enough to knock out a couple of them at once, and stock up on them as blanks and forge them into whatever type of tong you need as the need arises.

[@gstongs]

For sure the jaws could be worked after being separated to suit whatever need. I've used this tong as is and it has been very good for small work (I use it in my next video). Thanks.

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Great job sir definitely a worthwhile technique for some quick and industrious set of tongs 👏👏

[@danielcrawford7315]

Howdy Roy, I kinda like this. Probly work out well w 5/8" stock or so to add strength to the joint then draw out reigns or forge weld smaller stock on. Wrapping it around larger stock could make for many different jaw arrangement options I would think. Your way smarter than I about this though. Would love to see your take on these and tbh I'd like to.see your take on the Collins tongs. Make for fun and instructional video ima thinking 🙏 blessed days sirSir Crawford out 🧙‍♂️

[@gstongs]

I really appreciate you taking the time to recommend this. A big help indeed. Thanks.

[@JF-fx2qv]

Forget the "Necessity," - Ingenuity the mother of all inventions. It's a beautiful process.

[@gstongs]

Appreciate it.

[@The-Khatalyst]

My first project is making my own tongs (for obvious reasons) and I really like this method. Fairly foolproof design. Thank you!

[@mikemph7779]

The finish you achieve on your products is so superior to my projects, it’s really inspiring. Thanks for your channel !!

[@gstongs]

Hi Mike, Thanks for your kind comment. I'll keep trying my best with my channel, etc.

[@waynewalker315]

That is the coolest thing I've ever seen! For someone like myself who is just starting out and has ruined perfectly good steel rods trying to make tongs, I will take this concept and make me another set this weekend! Thank you! Wayne

[@gstongs]

Good luck in your blacksmithing. I hope this method helps you some... Thanks.

[@alansharp307]

Simple but Brilliant Glen👍

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@clydeulmer4484]

That's really interesting, Glen -- sometimes there *is* something new under the sun. I can see a load of potential here. Maybe slit & drift the hole for more retained material at the pivot, some strategic upsetting, some simple tooling for refining the jaws, etc. and a new tong making world opens up. Clyde

[@gstongs]

Like you, I also see potential in this style. I will have another go at some point and see... Thanks.

[@OneForTheSouth]

That's a beautiful anvil.

[@gstongs]

Many people tell me the same. My small block style anvils are my own designs which I got made here in Taiwan. I am very pleased with them. Thanks.

[@reidwitt1168]

Glen GS Tongs could I make these tongs with square stock

[@joemelvin5254]

That's pretty clever. I'm glad Roy recommended it

[@gstongs]

I'm also glad he recommended it - helps a lot... Thanks.

[@charlesprokopp276]

My jaw dropped as soon as I saw the first picture of those tongs and I thought "WHY have I never thought of that?" Brilliant idea. Gods, I have spent so many hours hammering out tongs....

[@gstongs]

I've had this idea in my head for ages. I'm happy it worked out and will make more and see what improvements I can come up with. Thanks.

[@TMatt007]

Very clever idea for a simple tong Glen. You never disappoint.

[@gstongs]

I get lucky every now and then. Thanks.

[@absmith666]

I think you have revolutionised the manufacturing of tongs. Great work

[@gstongs]

I think others may take this to the next level. Thanks for your support.

[@absmith666]

Glen GS Tongs your welcome mate

[@nepinteppo]

Brilliant! Something worth testing. Very good work indeed!

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@Onetruescotty]

Made some of these today as my first ever blacksmithing project. They didn't turn out nearly as nicely as yours, but I am still proud of them nonetheless! thank you for the great tutotial(s)!

[@Haze33E]

Used a very similar method(found it on youtube) to make my first pair of tongs. It was two separate pieces of equal length twisted in a vise. You put the reins in a vise then use a wrench to twist it to form the jaws. Your method looks easier in terms of being able to customize the rein and jaw placement before finishing the tongs. Maybe a combination of the two methods could work even better.

[@gstongs]

Give it a go. Like you say, this could be altered to customize whatever tongs are needed. Thanks.

[@highlyprofitablefuctktard4304]

Simple but genius. This should help a lot of people get started tong making. I can't wait to make mine. Thank you for sharing

[@gstongs]

That is exactly what I imagined. Thanks for watching.

[@grandadz_forge]

You have everyone in my circle creatively mulling this one over. Can't wait to see what they come up with. Very inspiring. Fiendishly simple

[@gstongs]

I'm sure others can improve upon this. And I will have another go. But so far, this tong has worked well for me. Thanks.

[@The_Devil_Nside]

I've been rolling this idea around in my head for a long while. I'm positive you've done it better than I would have

[@gstongs]

I got lucky! Give it a go and thanks for watching.

[@liegesaboya8265]

Finally I found a nice and simple way of making the tongs I need ! More : the sound is perfect ( no noisy music ) the images are great . Everything is perfect . Congratulations from Brasil !

[@gstongs]

I really appreciate your kind comment. I will upload more tong videos of various styles. Thanks.

[@reverendfawkes6138]

I went back to this video for some inspiration for when I get back to the shop this fall, and I thought of a great potential use for this style of tongs. They might make a great pair of needle nose pliers or scrolling tongs!

[@maxmeier4039]

Woww, that's nice and simple, and they're some very sleek looking tongs. Obviously looks aren't critical, but they don't hurt either

[@gstongs]

I like your comment. Function is first but a good form should closely follow. Thanks.

[@randyblackburn9765]

when I saw the thumbnail I knew exactly how he made , brilliant and easy make

[@aussierider6504]

For a novice like me, these tongs are a great starting point. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@nord4338]

Great tongs, the result of your headwork to simply the process. I see limitless applications for your method. Well-done! Thanks, Jerry

[@gstongs]

I will have another go at this and see what improvements I can make. But I was pleasantly surprised by how this first one turned out. Thanks for your support.

[@yorkshirejoinery2869]

Love this idea, thanks for sharing! Like your new ‘straight down’ camera angle too, fearing for your lense! Great work!

[@gstongs]

Me too - I am wondering when I will hit the camera...

[@garygilbert1440]

I like that you are always thinking "out of the box". More inspiration.

[@gstongs]

I'm trying my best. Not easy to come up with good ideas... Thanks.

[@11h5p4]

Once again a total new approach, simplistic,functional!!! You give new meaning to thinking out of the Box your thinking is out of the container LOL Keep them coming Be Safe

[@gstongs]

I'll do my best. Thanks for your support.

[@thoperSought]

it took me until 1:50 to see where you were going with this. that's really clever. you could almost make tongs without tongs, this way. man oh man, I gotta figure out how to get an anvil

[@HiltsyAdventure]

All you need is something to pound on, piece of a forklift tine or RR track. you can use pipe or round tubing to bend around so you don't need a horn.

[@thoperSought]

@@HiltsyAdventure yeah, something like that's probably what I ought to do, but where I live there's nothing even like that. I can try to source some scrap metal, which is probably the most practical thing.

[@garethbaus5471]

@@thoperSought I once used an antique plough as an anvil, and before that I used an old log, pretty much everything that dousnt melt or instantly shatter can be used as an anvil.

[@gstongs]

This is the less is more approach to tongs, I guess... Thanks.

[@thoperSought]

@@garethbaus5471 yeah, good point. I guess my next step should be to build a soup-can forge.

[@YYKORG]

The simpler the better. Thank You!!

[@gstongs]

Yes, a less is more sort of tong. Thanks.

[@rajhooblal5455]

Hey Glen Love this TONG WITH A TWIST! Your craftsmanship never ceases to amaze me. Thanks again.

[@gstongs]

I sometimes stumble onto good idea, I guess... Thanks.

[@peterattwood1535]

Hold on to that tong I will buy it from you, thats how I imagined it would be easiest to make tongs perfectly symmetrical and you just proved my point!!!!

[@gstongs]

You might be able to give this a try and make a better pair than mine. You're right about this making for symmetrical tongs, for sure... Thanks.

[@paulorchard7960]

Useful? I think thats simply brilliant, and the concept could be taken so far in so many styles of tongs! I love your tusk tongs I ordered 6 months ago, use them a lot and useful in so many different ways, not just round bar! Super happy with them mate, but now is time to copy and see what these tongs can become!

[@wesking5600]

👍 you could leave as is for working sheet metal or put groves in it for holding small round/square stock. I like it. Although maybe I’d draw the rains put a few inches maybe?

[@Qrunch]

Genius in its simplicity! I’m gonna try it too... just because why not :) Thanks Glen

[@wiley979]

Nice work! Christ centered iron works recommended

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@hmmm6317]

Ok the tongs are awesome but THAT anvil is awesome-er

[@bobburnitt5389]

YES, that anvil looks and sounds like a Custom build that might be all steel. CAn't tell form here for sure, BB

[@gstongs]

Many people tell me the same. Thanks for sure.

[@gstongs]

Yes, the anvil is custom (my design), made form a solid block of 4145 steel and completely heat treated top to bottom. Thanks.

[@cheyennew811]

@@gstongs This is my first time on your channel. What kind of facility did you need to have the anvil made? I have never seen a custom anvil before and am quite intrigued.

[@kiefercourchene6109]

For fucking real 😍 lol

[@abrahamd2k]

They look clean, effective and have many potential qualities to go from there. Good work.

[@gstongs]

I tried these and they work well for me for small projects. I use them in my next video... Thanks.

[@jlszesny2471]

cool stuff, saw where you where going with that, I cant think that far out of the blacksmithing box yet, glad you showed this, it really broadens my/our horizon

[@gstongs]

Living and working in Taiwan has forced me to think outside the box more than I would have if in my comfort zone in the US. My space limitations, while generally not a good thing, have helped me adapt. I'm glad this one worked out since not all of my outside-the-box projects do! Thanks.

[@jlszesny2471]

@@gstongs I feel ya, I comfort myself with the saying "resources are the enemy of imagination"

[@Moondog-wc4vm]

An interesting experiment! They seem very effective (if a little short, but that's only because of the limitations of the material you had on hand) I was taught the ABANA method of making tongs, and this seems a lot more simple and time effective. You are most likely correct that some fairly straightforward modifications could make them a lot more usable. They are certainly a better set of tongs than the first set I ever made!

[@gstongs]

I didn't imagine this would work out so well. But this tong works very well and next time I'll make some improvements to strengthen it. Thanks.

[@scottmccarroll2618]

That’s such an ingenious simple way to make a set of tongs that will take the stigma out of tong making once comfortable with this technique it would be much easier to move forward to a more complex style,,,,,, Thanks for sharing Scott

[@gstongs]

I guess sometimes less is more... Thanks.

[@ThePcProGamerz]

Genius. Perfect for a beginner to make their first tongs so they can easily make more tongs. I see plenty of ways to shape the heads differently after theyre cut apart.

[@gstongs]

Yes, I do think this method can help a lot of folks and from there, the sky's the limit... Thanks for your support.

[@gstongs]

I really appreciate the support. Thanks.

[@Yuno_tschoe]

Much more simple and practical. good

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@brysonalden5414]

What a great way to make tongs! This would be a fast way to make tongs needed for a specialty job where my usual assortment just wouldn't fit the stock.

[@gstongs]

Yes, this could be adapted to different tong styles / needs. Thanks.

[@joeshmoe7967]

This would be a great project for as shop class. I would have loved this back in my high school metal shop class.

[@gstongs]

A good idea that someone may pick up on and use. Thanks.

[@joeshmoe7967]

@@gstongs would they pick this idea up with tongs?? Lol - Cheers

[@freezinweasle1]

I have made twisted tongs before and they are my most used tongs. This is a very neat idea that I will have to try. Thank you for posting. Revealed By Fire Blacksmithing.

[@gstongs]

Give it a try. I'm sure others can take this to the next level. Thanks.

[@random40s]

Hmmm.... Interesting for sure. I could see that once the center is marked it could be bent around the stock size it's intended to hold and haped with it in the jaws. Seems like a very simple way to make tongs to hold punches, or top tools with all the same size shanks. Would also likely be a very efficient way to make offset jaw tongs.

[@gstongs]

Yes, I think this technique can be midfield to make other tong styles. Thanks.

[@Lmr6973]

As my grandpaw would say "now son that is slicker that owl shit". I gonna have to try this. Thanks for posting.

[@gstongs]

Your grandpa was certainly an interesting character. Thanks for watching.

[@ICTPerformance268]

🇦🇬 I think your experiment was successful. I would buy them if you made them that way. They’re aesthetically pleasing. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🙏🏾

[@oliviermalige3279]

Tongs look nice Thanks to share your blacksmith's research with us!!

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Awesome! I’m gonna give these a go!

[@danielcrawford7315]

Show us what you got. Lolololol Am think 5/8 stock would be a decent start to give good strength at the pivot. Then draw out the reigns or forge weld some lighter reigns. Perhaps twist the original loop around some 1" or 1.5" to give a larger working area in the jaws. Bet you've got a better idea though 🙏blessings your way Crawford out 🧙‍♂️

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Glen GS Tongs I made some, when I’m done editing the video it will be up next week!

[@benjamin_griffin]

I love this. And, as always , your personal style shows in the shape and finish. Well done, sir!

[@gstongs]

Thanks for your support.

[@teun7923]

wow, never thought of this. Verry smart

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@burtvincent1278]

Wow, thanks. Easy way to make tongs. I'm going out to make one now.

[@gstongs]

I hope you find this method useful. Thanks.

[@andriusvalasevicius2341]

I respect you for your knowledge, simplyness and perfection seeking

[@gstongs]

Thanks for your support.

[@samiforge8394]

Love your work very inspiring excellent new way of making tongs

[@gstongs]

I appreciate your support.

[@heathworsley8347]

Absolutely love this idea Glenn thank you for sharing! I keep learning new things and I will file this away in my head a bit towards the day when I make my own tongs

[@gstongs]

I'm very glad you like this one. Give it a go and I'm sure you can do better. Thanks.

[@MrTXWolfie]

Been thinking about doing this for sometime now just never got around too trying it, glad someone also got this idea and glad too see it works.... Nice job Glen...kuddo's.

[@gstongs]

Give it a go. I was pleasantly surprised by the result. Thanks.

[@yourselfdotcom]

You coulda told me that was the best way to make them and by watching your skills I wouldn't have argued.

[@skoitch]

I usually grind the flats slightly to give more range of motion.

[@gstongs]

A good tip for sure. Thanks.

[@SeraphsWitness]

Very beautiful. The nicest I've seen on KZbin so far

[@randallsummers6551]

Definitely a good style of tong. You should add they too you sales line up. Take care and God bless.

[@gstongs]

These would need refining for sale but definitely a possibility. Thanks and I wish you the same.

[@paulvanzweel8287]

Very simple and unique way of making tongs. Well done on your idea!

[@gstongs]

Glad you like this and thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@stanervin6108]

Have done this before. Very serviceable end result, Glen!

[@gstongs]

I was pleasantly surprised by the result. Thanks.

[@shakilkasper3402]

really great tutorial, i plan on making a few tongs and have a short holiday to do so and this will definitely save me some time to spend on other projects

[@gstongs]

Good luck in your tong making and thanks for watching.

[@gregthomas7950]

Very nice. You could change the shape of the mandrel you bend them around at the start to give different shaped openings. Once you cut them apart, you can forge the jaws to whatever shape you needed.

[@gstongs]

Yes, I am going to experiment with this and some other alternative tong styles in upcoming videos. Thanks.

[@lukecope4212]

I really like the accentt from the brass brushing you give your tongs!!

[@gstongs]

It also helps a little with rust protection, at least until it wears off. Thanks.

[@SuperiorEtchworx]

That's a great way to make light duty tongs. After you split them , you could forge the bits to fill various roles easily. The parallel handles would really suit an ambidexter like me. I use a hammer in either hand depending on whether I need raw power (left) or dexterity ( right). My conventional tongs aren't comfy in my right hand.

[@gstongs]

Very true, the jaws can be formed to suit the need and having the handles line up directly over each other is a definite plus. Thanks.

[@Thedeaconoftrade]

What a nice anvil youve got, looks brand new

[@gstongs]

I don't have many tools and try to keep stuff clean and organized. The small anvils I use are my own design which I had made here in Taiwan. Thanks.

[@gstongs]

I don't have many tools and try to keep stuff clean and organized. The small anvils I use are my own design which I had made here in Taiwan. Thanks.

[@HiltsyAdventure]

These would be easy to turn into scroll tongs (going to have to try it I need some). never seen anyone forge while sitting down (I like it, I have a bad knee). That little anvil you have there is slick as well.

[@gstongs]

Sitting while forging works for me and my situation but is definitely more dangerous than standing so proper precaution needs to be taken. Glad you like this. Thanks.

[@davidhuerta788]

Mr. Clean did it again!!!👍

[@gstongs]

And I have the Mr. Clean bald head to match! Thanks for watching.

[@jasonwilliam2125]

So bloody simple yet beautiful in that simplicity. Subbed, great vid.

[@gstongs]

I am really glad to have you aboard and appreciate the support.

[@reidwitt1168]

Glen GS Tongs could I make these tongs with square stock

[@tylerkrug7719]

Those tongs are pretty sweet!

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@TheMrWoodsman]

Great idea Glen, i think i could even make them. thanks pal

[@gstongs]

I hope this idea helps. Thanks.

[@gasengineguy]

Very good idea, I'll try it. Not digging the overhead view so much Glen. Great clean work as usual. Thanks

[@glenndarilek520]

gasengineguy I was recoiling every time the hammer came up!

[@danielcrawford7315]

Lol I like it, just me though. Its interesting to watch n note how the eye and mind work...even knowing there is 0 chance of impact, one tends to move away

[@gstongs]

I'm still fiddling with that view. Thanks.

[@gstongs]

Ha!

[@gstongs]

Good point.

[@JoshMcGehee]

This is pretty cool. Just getting into blacksmithing and I need to make my first pair of tongs. I'll definitely give this a shot.

[@jimslater8685]

good on you dude, my advice, just go for it and feel the magic of metalbanging :]

[@gstongs]

Give it a try and I hope you have success. Thanks.

[@gstongs]

Very good advice. Thanks.

[@rogerdodger5415]

Those tongs are beautiful! That gives me ideas for some variations. Thanks 🙏 for the info!

[@olivergroce4216]

This is a great idea with a lot of possibilities. Thank you

[@gstongs]

I'm sure others can take this to the next level. Thanks.

[@RexKrueger]

Wow! That was REALLY clear and interesting. I'm gonna make those, first chance I get!

[@gstongs]

Have a go and I'm sure you can improve upon what I've done here. Thanks and good luck in your blacksmithing.

[@axelahrenholtz7309]

Neat design. Would've loved that inspiration for my first set of tongs, that way i might have not ended up with scrap but with tongs. very nice!

[@gstongs]

Give this method a go and I'm sure you can do better than what I've done here. Thanks.

[@Kurogane_666]

Man honestly I would love to have a set of these tongs, looks good, I need to get some for arrowhead making spearhead making and knife making

[@gstongs]

Give them a go. You might be able to improve upon what I've done. Thanks.

[@Kurogane_666]

@@gstongs trust me I won't be improving anything, but I'll give it a wack so to speak soon

[@johnmorales7415]

Very clean work space

[@countorlok1545]

will have to give this a try at some point!

[@gstongs]

It's definitely something to try. Thanks.

[@DiesInEveryFilm]

very nice glen I like the simplicity of these.

[@gstongs]

Hi, how are things? Your channel has blown up and left me in the proverbial dust. Very happy for you and enjoy your content. I had this idea in my heads for forever and was pleasantly surprised by how well this tong turned out and how useful it's been. It needs improving for sure but I'm happy with how it's worked so far. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

[@DiesInEveryFilm]

Thanks very much Glen yeh it went crazy recently I don’t know why. Been mad busy at home so not caught up on videos but glad to see you are still at it and what a great idea i bet it will help a lot of people out

[@cesesc6929]

Genial

[@lunaticfringe6173]

This really clicked with me seeing the tongs as one continuous piece, rather than two halves. I feel like this particular design is rather utilitarian too in the sense that you can just grab a length of rod, mark the center, and get to work. Thank for sharing this.

[@gstongs]

Give this a go and see how it works for you. I'm sure you and many others can improve upon this design. Thanks.

[@Forging403]

You maybe on to something here. Great job sir.

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@tomfarrow710]

Truly great idea, thanks for sharing.

[@gstongs]

These sorts of ideas are far and few between for me! Thanks.

[@stantilton3339]

Interesting, a new idea to experiment with. Thanks

[@gstongs]

Something to try... Thanks.

[@alann4808]

Really like the overhead cam. I've really enjoyed your videos over the years. Thanks!

[@gstongs]

Thanks for letting me know. I'm still messing around with the angle / distance for that overhead view.

[@andreschiriff4354]

Fantastic, they look really nice and they're very well made

[@gstongs]

This style can be improved but I am very happy with how this tong works. Thanks.

[@firesafe8417]

That is a really good idea, thank you for sharing. I like this way of making tongs, doing it this way you can't mess up the hinge.

[@gstongs]

In some ways, this could help those who struggle with consistency / mating the halves. Glad you like it. Thanks.

[@zeandreoutram]

As always great idea sir. Love it.

[@gstongs]

Thank you.

[@nuntoki]

Brilliant idea man! And a great looking anvil. Cheers

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@AWoodworkersLife]

That’s genius, great idea Glenn

[@gstongs]

I get lucky every now and then. Thanks.

[@cristophercaraway8703]

Hey Glen thanks for posting this I made a pair for doing some odd work. They are almost as good as my flat bit tongs. Thanks!

[@paulorchard7960]

That is defiantly a to do tool. Sure you are not the first, just seems simple , but is the first time I have seen it and the idea never came to me! Fantastic and well done! My next tongs are to be wide jaw bolt tongs so this is going to be tested!

[@gstongs]

Give it a go and thanks for watching.

[@michaeldenton8610]

I've actually used this method to make pliers. Nice work! I never thought about tonges

[@gstongs]

That's very interesting. Thanks for watching and sharing.