An Unusual (Easier?) Way To Make Blacksmith Tongs

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TMatt007]

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

[@gstongs]

I get lucky every now and then. Thanks.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@brendanesposito]

Very innovative! Nice one!

[@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)!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JF-fx2qv]

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

[@gstongs]

Appreciate it.

[@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...

[@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.

[@advance9572]

Really like this one! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@joemelvin5254]

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

[@gstongs]

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

[@aussierider6504]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Qrunch]

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

[@nepinteppo]

Brilliant! Something worth testing. Very good work indeed!

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@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.

[@leoszes]

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.

[@leoszes]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@oliviermalige3279]

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

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@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.

[@alansharp307]

Simple but Brilliant Glen👍

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@randyblackburn9765]

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

[@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.

[@samiforge8394]

Love your work very inspiring excellent new way of making tongs

[@gstongs]

I appreciate your support.

[@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

[@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.

[@Nanogrip]

This is a brilliant way to make tongs! Thanks for the video, I am slowly getting into blacksmithing and I've been researching on youtube.

[@andriusvalasevicius2341]

I respect you for your knowledge, simplyness and perfection seeking

[@gstongs]

Thanks for your support.

[@rogerdodger5415]

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

[@stanervin6108]

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

[@gstongs]

I was pleasantly surprised by the result. Thanks.

[@OnyxAlucard]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@sergiosmozenuk4358]

Me encanta como haces herramientas.voy a intentar hacerme una así para mí gracias por enseñar esa técnica

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@yourselfdotcomlol]

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

[@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.

[@TheMrWoodsman]

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

[@gstongs]

I hope this idea helps. Thanks.

[@Brainchild69]

Wow. What a really simple, really good idea. Thanks for posting this.

[@gstongs]

It's my pleasure. Wasn't sure how this would turn out but was pleasantly surprised. Thanks.

[@dougalexander7204]

Excellent. Like much the simplicity. Looks like a great way for a beginner to make a pair of tongs to get started. “Catch you next time.” 4 years ago you did a video on sharpening a drill bit. Dredged it up and used it to go through my drill box and sharpen those .375 or bigger. Thank you.

[@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.

[@SeraphsWitness]

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

[@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

[@denniskendall2848]

See that...you got fans. Keep up the good work. 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

[@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.

[@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.

[@aaronmccann3246]

Looks like a successful experiment. I'm really liking the birds eye view shots too.

[@gstongs]

I wasn't sure how this would go but had this idea in my head for a while. Some improvements would be good but I'm very pleased with how this works. Thanks for watching and letting me know your opinion about the overview view.

[@donwisener1088]

GOOD IDEA ,thank you.I've for some reason ,probably not making enough,struggled with tongs.KISS ,we all know what that means and thank you so much that was a great tutorial.Happy hammering.Rose Lodge Forge ,est.1988.

[@clemwalton4767]

That is a fancy punch sir. Nice design with the pivot i will make one similar. Great videos

[@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.

[@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.

[@NjalLaing]

Nice idea Glen and they look great.

[@gstongs]

Thanks.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@charliebecker9391]

Roy at Christ Center Ironworks suggested I watch your video on Simple Tongs. Very good idea and fairly easy to make. Thank you. Charlie

[@gstongs]

I'm very thankful for his recommendation. Thanks for your support.

[@charliebecker9391]

@@gstongs My pleasure. I enjoy watching. Best Wishes, Charlie

[@AWoodworkersLife]

That’s genius, great idea Glenn

[@gstongs]

I get lucky every now and then. 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.

[@YYKORG]

The simpler the better. Thank You!!

[@gstongs]

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

[@richardhutchings921]

Nice tongs. I Like them. Makes me want to lean how to blacksmith.

[@gstongs]

Glad you like this and good luck if you ever get blacksmithing.Thanks.

[@josiahtheblacksmith467]

It is definitely worth it to learn! But be warned it is addictive.

[@wiley979]

Nice work! Christ centered iron works recommended

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@RedWest2010]

Outstanding and simple. Even using that crossover method on traditional tong design, seems like it would deliver a really clean boss, and takes the guesswork out of the sizing and spacing. Thank you.

[@richardbryant7972]

When I first got into blacksmithing I seen a video that a guy did and made pliers that way but I don’t remember who though. Great video thanks

[@gstongs]

I would be interested to check that out. Thanks.

[@goraforge7489]

really cool idea will have to give it a try. thanks for sharing!

[@gstongs]

Thanks and good luck in your blacksmithing.

[@flatlinesup]

very cool method. It seems to me that it'd be easier for beginners and once a person made a couple of them, they'd be very quick to make.

[@gstongs]

Yes, I think this could help a lot of folks. Thanks.

[@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.

[@nuntoki]

Brilliant idea man! And a great looking anvil. Cheers

[@gstongs]

Thanks for watching.

[@sirtblairjr]

Hey GS, I really like your channel and videos. I like the way your making the to gas here. It's unusual than everyone else makes them. This way is better. I think one day I'll make some things like this way. And the way use the head camera view!! Thanks .. Thanks again.

[@gstongs]

I appreciate you watching and for your support. I'll do my best to put out interesting videos. Thanks.

[@InTheFleshInc]

I can learn quite a bit from you so I subscribed...I am just getting into this Metal Smith. One note I noticed is how clean you keep your work area, That I can respect.

[@gstongs]

My work space is very limited so I need to be neat, plus, it just suits my personality. Thanks for watching and subscribing and good luck in your blacksmithing.

[@Ty_N_KC]

What is that anvil set up? Thats clean!

[@gstongs]

My small anvils are my own designs which I had made here in Taiwan. And I try to keep them in good shape. 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.

[@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?

[@shanek6582]

Good idea, no wonder your channel is growing so much!

[@gstongs]

My channel is still small potatoes but that's fine. I have one or two ideas per year and that's about it. Thanks.

[@shanek6582]

Glen GS Tongs 40k subs is pretty darn good

[@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!

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

That is a fantastic method! Very cool Glenn!

[@gstongs]

Much appreciated.

[@abitoffblacksmithing9985]

@@gstongs I have been hesitant to make a pair, but these I think I will have a go at! Great content! Keep it up