Blacksmithing - Forging a nail header

Per request - here is a video showing how to forge a nail header with a pritchel hole "shank".
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/ torbjornahman

[@caribooskidoo3997]

I work in a blacksmith shop in a living history museum, Barkerville BC. I always tell people interested in smithing to check out This channel. One of the best on you tube!

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you so much! Much appreciated!

[@joltzkrieg]

I swear that your videos are the absolute best blacksmithing videos on the entire internet. No lie.

[@torbjornahman]

+Joel L. Thanks! :)

[@thathatr797]

Agreed

[@patman0250]

+Torbjörn Åhman do you sale these or if not can I have this ? ha

[@torbjornahman]

+patman0250 I probably could make one for you, but I would encourage you to make your own. A simple header is just a piece of plate with a drilled hole! Improve with drifted square hole, handle and domed surface.

[@patman0250]

thanks man I will definitely make my own . I guess why buy one when you can make your own right ? lol

[@LolSpoonage]

Oh, you hot punched your drilled circle into a square. I wish I would've thought of that before an hour of hand filing. Great video as always, always showing me how much more I need to learn

[@PaulKrzysz]

I know the amount of time and effort that must go into this quality of video. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jorgzilla316]

So THATS what a clean shop looks like!

[@trevorzzealley2670]

Top marks , for a good & practical video . From this simple beginning a man could build a house for his family . Thanks for the post.

[@Goodwithwood69]

Really liked the handle! Who said tools can't be beautiful!

[@gangsta1355]

Nobody, literally nobody

[@killerkane1957]

Once again the fastest hammer in the West! Simple = elegance. Your approach and style are a delight and show mastery of the fundamentals! Thanks for sharing with the mortals.

[@torbjornahman]

KillerKane Haha thank you! So much to learn still...

[@damionlowther78]

Your videos and work is so well thought out and easy to follow. I really like the no nonsense straight to the point approach. Thank you for taking the time to share your talent.

[@torbjornahman]

damionlowther78 Thank you!

[@brentelsing4447]

You just like making your anvil dance across the floor!

[@lemi0078]

I love watching your videos Torbjörn. Thanks for sharing your skills!

[@Sebastian-ln6gl]

Thank you, I have admired the functional simplicity, yet elegant design and well crafted nail header. Cheers.

[@torbjornahman]

Sebastian Denize Thanks

[@bloggstein]

I really like the design of this. Very simple, but such a nice look. Thank you for making these videos!

[@torbjornahman]

blahg Thanks.

[@TurnerForge]

I am really impresses with your skill and care you take to make your tools.

[@karlos1008]

Such a beautiful piece of smithing. Nice job! Masterfully done.

[@torbjornahman]

Karl Black Thanks Karl!

[@wojtaswrr]

Świetna robota, zobaczyłem wszystkie Twoje filmy, jeden po po drugim. Pozdrowienia z Polski

[@workingwithiron]

Awesome video again Torbjörn! Lovely tool you have there, i find my anvil likes to walk around when i bring out the heavy hammers over the heel too. Yours looks ok when your forging normally though. Keep up the good work!!

[@torbjornahman]

***** Thanks! Yes it usually stays put. It would be nice to have it fixed but sometimes you need to turn or move it...hmmm

[@MrDieselmanblue]

Thank you for the video. This is what I was wanting to start blacksmithing.

[@RandomTXDude210]

I don't even care about the functionality, that thing is so beautiful I'd put it out for show in my house, lol.

[@ConstructIcon]

Wow! I just found your channel. Great blacksmithing and filming! I'm a novice at blacksmithing, but working on getting better. I will be watching and learning something's from you going forward. Thanks for sharing!

[@torbjornahman]

Construct Icon Great!

[@Vikingwerk]

Guy spends an entire video making this awesome tool, and then here I am most impressed at the very end, when he makes a perfectly round handle end in two heats. To quote my blacksmithing teacher: "It's simple. It's just not easy."

[@torbjornahman]

***** Ha ha, thanks. I may have cut away one heat though...not sure.

[@hankjenkins769]

You make amazing tools. I am grateful to be able to learn from you. Keep up the great work

[@torbjornahman]

Thanks!!

[@jimbohotep]

Thank you for another great video ! You work is very very nice

[@MatthewLairdHVK500]

Awesome build! I enjoy your stuff, I watch every video.

[@ahdefga]

Your videos are awesome, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@tonyeubanks9772]

Very nice work Sir. Loved the video and the one on your flattener. Great workmanship!

[@torbjornahman]

Tony Eubanks Thank you!

[@gilotine76]

Always nice to watch your videos. Very well done again.

[@gunterschone8402]

Nice video As we can see, the blacksmithing can be delicate and also is not always just rough work. Greetings from Germany.

[@torbjornahman]

Günter Schöne Thank you!

[@remybelanger2205]

agree...clear and complete, Thanks !!

[@DonnaCucheran]

Thanks for this! This is the one I was hoping you would do next!

[@Bent-rAgE-559]

iv been going nuts trying to figure out how to get that square hole in that sucker lol thanks

[@Buckrun11]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing this skill!

[@mortarsquad12]

Love it! Thanks for listening to my request(s)! A 2 in one!

[@torbjornahman]

adam anthoni You're welcome! However the wrapping is just a simple single turn one. On heavier tools you usually wrap 2 turns around the tool and come back with two pieces of stock for a handle.

[@dakellymon]

Wow, well done sir.

[@williamskrainski8407]

My new favorite channel

[@torbjornahman]

Sweet! Thanks

[@Wodenthrall]

What an awesome tool

[@taylorp.2872]

my neighbor fixed his anvil to a stump, works great and it absorbs a lot of the ringing

[@workwithnature]

3:45 I wish I could saw that fast.

[@thevikingoli8847]

It's the second or third time that I have comment on a video of you, and again very nice work my respect to you I like to see your hands work. I wish I could make something with you and learn a bit of your skills. Thank you. Greetings from Belgium 🤘🏼🤘🏼⚔️⚔️

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you very much!

[@thevikingoli8847]

@@torbjornahman your welcome ⚔️⚔️🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@thevikingoli8847]

@@torbjornahman I am what you probably call a poor blacksmith. I work with materials who already had a life. now I make knives from the leafsprings of an old Willy jeep of 1944. but my gas oven I made myself, and set almost set my gate on fire. because I don't have a lot of space so I'm have a blacksmithersblock 🤣and next week I'm going to have for the thirt time a back operation so if that go's well I'm going to be a happy man. Just wanne have in my life no more pain..... And I wanne make in my life a Damascus knife but I don't have a power hamer, and I try it a lot but never succeed.+-15 times and hopefully next year I will make one (4 years I say that)😏🤔....... At least I can see you at work and that gives me hope......it's a seax in Damascussteel I wanna make. Sometimes I think I am a loser, but I never give up. Now Thursday that comes is my operation and hope that everything's is going well........... Greeting from a fan of you ⚔️⚔️🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@torbjornahman]

Good luck with the back op and to a continued painless blacksmithing journey!

[@thevikingoli8847]

Can I ask you a question? From where are you? You don't have to give me your adres but I'm just curious thank you.

[@GiovanniGuida-ek9dv]

Questo e modo di lavorare bell.idea per fare la testa del chiodo bravo

[@nightschoolblacksmith6219]

That was very informative, thank you. I shall be trying this very soon!!

[@torbjornahman]

Great! A header don't need to be that complicated really. You could do with just a plate with a hole in it!

[@nightschoolblacksmith6219]

Hi, I've tried to make two from EN9, the first one was too painful to hold, and cracked. The second, which I tried to follow your method on was nothing but a mess!! I shall try again with mild steel and case-harden it. I am determined to make some nails!! :-)

[@eriktegnander6329]

i was 11 when this vid was made....... good god time passes

[@leonidevdokimov7511]

Such a nice work/ Thank you

[@thedavidwalker]

Beautiful work. I’ve subscribed. 👍🏻

[@torbjornahman]

Great! Thanks!

[@mennoh6847]

my right ear realy enjoyed this:P

[@torbjornahman]

Yes, sorry about that.

[@mennoh6847]

Torbjörn Åhman no problem, i realy enjoy your content :D

[@jakeevans7075]

beautiful

[@sputmamut]

Nice job!!

[@irianthul]

Perhaps a dumb question, but what are you doing at 4:16 onwards? The bit with the ruler? Didn't you already mark the hole for drilling? Or are you checking if it's level?

[@torbjornahman]

Irianthul Black Yes it's a level check.

[@davepelfrey3958]

Your work is so fluid, every step you do no wasted motion! How do determine the type of steel to use for each project?

[@torbjornahman]

Dave Pelfrey Thanks! First of all it depends on the properties needed for the tool. Should it hold an edge, sustain hard beating or just tough... For blacksmithing tools in general a medium carbon steel like 4140/4340/1045 would work fine. Edge tools like knives or wood working tools would probably need something with higher carbon content like 1095 or spring steel. You try and pick up what other people have used and recommends... Sometimes you just have to work with what you have. Be careful and don't make a tool too hard (good temper), that's really the only danger in using the "wrong" steel.

[@mjones2431]

Great video,but I have a question. Why not do the heat treat after wrapping the handle on?

[@torbjornahman]

+M Jones Can't think of any reason that would not work. Maybe easier to clean up before wrapping...

[@9q7a5z]

What exactly, is a nail header used for?

[@Krancis133]

This is how to make a nice looking nail header, isn't it? Because, I think that there are a lot more simpler ways to make one.

[@pierdolio]

very entertaining.

[@Japokat13]

Thanks for another great vid. I just loaded 2 new vids, view them if you like. Bear in mind, I've been forging a long time, but closed die. Your vids help me understand open die forging better.

[@solcisneros32]

Beatiful!!

[@thehappycamper1976]

that's cool

[@King4sshole89]

Awesome

[@jamalsaleh7053]

lovely job and good work God bless you

[@tinnyblacksmith3434]

That anvil is huge

[@user-bn1zi6gi4e]

Admire Your skill!I'm doing the first steps and Your video is very helpful for me.I live in Russia. My great-grandfather was a blacksmith. In what country do You live?

[@torbjornahman]

Cool! Thank you! I live in Sweden. Good luck!

[@mrboo5079]

VERY GOOD . GREETINGS FROM ARGENTINA

[@The_Gallowglass]

Take a couple long pieces of steel about an inch wide and a foot or so long, heat them up and form them around the feet of your anvil. Drill or punch two holes on each lash and bolt the anvil down. Wont take you but a heat or two for both. :P

[@torbjornahman]

Ó Slatraigh Some day... :)

[@The_Gallowglass]

Torbjörn Åhman It only takes 5 or ten minutes! hahahaha

[@torbjornahman]

Ó Slatraigh Yes, I want it bolted down but the fact is I tend to turn and move it quite a bit so I'm not sure how to do it the best way...

[@The_Gallowglass]

Torbjörn Åhman Well, what do you have it on? If you had it mounted on a stump, you could make a track that allows you to turn the whole thing. You could even put a break on it or a crank or something.

[@torbjornahman]

Ó Slatraigh Currently on a "stump" on concrete floor. Yep, I need to figure something out, but it's a lower priority just now.

[@semerhi]

This is just amazing. Thanks for sharing! One question though: Is there a way to drill through the header without a power drill? How would a 19th century black smith do this? Thanks!

[@torbjornahman]

semerhi Thanks. It might get difficult but one could punch the hole all the way through. A nail header does not need to be this fancy. A piece of flat stock does the job more or less. Then it's easy to punch the hole.

[@retkulibin0303]

super!

[@thorstenoerts]

Who needs a lathe, when you can just beat the steel into submission :)

[@freezinweasle1]

Great tutorial! Thanks for sharing. Mark

[@donaldasayers]

It's funny how ones tools and skills determine how to make something, I would have turned that in the lathe. But then I have a lathe.

[@expatconn7242]

enjoyed this . is there ant movement or turning ? or does no matter? still trick work..... thanks

[@torbjornahman]

Sorry, I don't understand the q?

[@jibehem]

Great, as always, thanks. Quick question : why did you make the heat treatment before forging the "tail", wich could have ruined it all ? Couldn't work to make the treatment with the tail already forged ? Just to know, if you had some reasons to do so, or just if you had your process this way, with no special meanings. And by the way, thanks for your awesomely clear and simple videos. Really educationnal and motivating ! Thanks !

[@torbjornahman]

Thank you! Not sure it matters much at all. You could heat treat it with the handle attached.

[@h2o270]

Nice!

[@Godram]

i am new to the craft so forgive my ignorance but when you were drifting the square hole why did you drift from bottom up? it makes sense to me to make the initial hole from the bottom because that way you can center it in the hole you drilled but once you have drifted through to the other side why not drift from top down so the shank was in the pritchel?

[@torbjornahman]

It seems you can do it both ways, but the idea here is to make the header so that the nail doesn't get stuck in the hole. In this way the hole gets tapered from the bottom and is only in contact with the nail at the upper edge. It might also help to not draw the heat away so fast.

[@Godram]

Torbjörn Åhman That makes sense thanks for taking the time to explain that to me!

[@brucedavis8736]

some day is the place the kid and wife do things

[@exotictoad]

why is the top of the nail header round? i never understood why?

[@torbjornahman]

If you like to make "facets" on the nail head, you make them by tilting your hammer. With a rounded top you make clearance for the tilted hammer blow.

[@adroaldoribeiro4529]

0:40 Is that safe to do if I don't have so much experience or would it be better to use a swage block/striking anvil?

[@torbjornahman]

My anvil is pretty big and can take a lot of beating, but if you are afraid to damage your anvil use something else to upset the shoulder.

[@dylankirk7994]

Does the type of steel/heat treating matter for a nail header? I'm assuming mild steel would work but just not last as long?

[@torbjornahman]

I would say yes. A proper steel version will last much longer.

[@mash7137]

after you square off the hardie hole(new to black smithing terms not to metal working) & round off the head could i bring to the drill press drill out square w a 5/8 -3/4 hole then to band saw cut it in half, file a triangle into each half then turn to grip into tongs? finished making my forge waiting on a hand bellow i order on Ebay. then im going to practice nails and scrolls till im blue in the face. so i want to know making the nail header in the way i explained would work good or not? any other info is always welcomed for practicing. your vids are inspirational. thx for the light in a the dark room.

[@torbjornahman]

mash7137 Thanks! I don't think there is much advantage for a 2-piece "tong-like" design. Keep it simple. This one is complicated already :) A simple one would just be a piece of plate with an appropriate hole drilled through.

[@mash7137]

yep there you go plate w a hole there good advice thx

[@ericproulxaudy4296]

What type of steel do you use for the square drift?

[@torbjornahman]

Use something pretty tough like spring steel!

[@meganerd14]

what do you do with the leftover scraps flying off the hot metal? Can you reuse it for something or recycle it?

[@torbjornahman]

MN-14 The iron oxide (scale) is incredible thin, and you have to forge for several months to get any substantial weight. Technically it can be remelted. It goes into the recycle bin...

[@BeagleHunter]

What is the dimensions of the round head piece? What dimension is the square hole in it? Awesome video, I just started my 3rd set of tongs so I'm new to this.

[@torbjornahman]

It really does not matter! Make the square hole to match the size of nails you want to make. In this case it's probably around 5-6mm. Great! Keep hammering!

[@thathatr797]

Nice video :) Where should a newbie start, what should be made first? I am using a cars brake-drum as forge and a piece of trainrail as anvil (Low budget ^^)

[@torbjornahman]

+That Hatr Start with basic projects like hooks to train to do tapers and to do bends. That does not need any additional tools. Make tongs! Pretty easy and straight forward project actually. Try to find a proper anvil, it makes quite a difference I think and keep your eyes open for other tools. In time you will find useful stuff.

[@thathatr797]

+Torbjörn Åhman Ok thank you. The Problem is anvils are really expensive. I don't have that much money because I still go to school. 50€ a month pocketmoney. I would have to save aprox. 6 months for an anvil :/

[@torbjornahman]

+That Hatr Ok, I know! No hurry! Work on what you have and keep looking.

[@thathatr797]

+Torbjörn Åhman Do you think someone who has never done before could do what you did in the video? And what do I need for this?

[@torbjornahman]

+That Hatr For a simple nail header you really just need a large enough piece of steel with a hole in it. It works fine with a drilled hole even. Here are some examples of different types of headers - www.smideri.se/smide/verktyg_nageljarn.html A piece of leaf spring could work fine, or you could use part of an old tool, like a hammer head or axe head. Remember to anneal before drilling.

[@petegalvs]

hahaha, those must have been some strong hits to make the anvil dance like that! How heavy is that anvil, like 100kg?

[@torbjornahman]

+petegalvs :) 400 lbs / 182kg

[@petegalvs]

oh wow, I wouldn't expect you would have to secure it to the floor, then

[@torbjornahman]

+petegalvs He he, obviously... some day I will do a heavy steel stand for it with bolt holes for floor mounting. Some day... :)

[@CruiserMac]

Nicely done, do you ever wear gloves?

[@torbjornahman]

Cruiser Mac Thanks! I only wear gloves when using hand tools over hot steel (on the left hand). Other than that they can do more harm than good actually.

[@CruiserMac]

I figured you had a good reason, I was just curious.

[@kenbarker6478]

well I saw all of that and ALMOST saw if and how it works....

[@CharisWilliams]

Awesome! :D

[@jamalsaleh7053]

Excuse me, but what it's used for?

[@torbjornahman]

jamal saleh To forge the head of a nail. I have a video showing this.

[@alexisentonfire]

would not be quicker and less effort to make the header with a wax cast then refine it with the hole afterwards then clean it all up?

[@torbjornahman]

Mike Duffy You need cast steel then, and that is no easy task. Basic headers are easy to make though, just a hole in a piece of plate will do it.

[@magiczna__flet]

What is the kind of steel of this header? All the best

[@torbjornahman]

If I remember right it is 1045 steel in the header.

[@magiczna__flet]

Thank you very much for your answer :) I'm your big fan and you are inspiring me every day to improve my craft, thank you. Greetings from Poland

[@torbjornahman]

Cool, thanks!!

[@scottsalgren2024]

You edited this into 10 minutes. How much time did this take you?

[@torbjornahman]

Not sure, 2h maybe?

[@thatsurprisedguy3646]

What was the diameter of the smaller drillbit?

[@torbjornahman]

Joost Brekelmans I think it was 4 or 5 mm, but it all depends on what size nail you have in mind.

[@Volundtube]

Snyggt :)

[@taylorp.2872]

does it need to be a hardenable carbon steel?

[@torbjornahman]

I would say so... a mild steel version probably works for a short while though.

[@taylorp.2872]

could probably upset a large chisel on a swage block...

[@MrDonut99]

How long did that hot cut take?

[@torbjornahman]

Not that long. 2-3 heats... Can't remember.

[@kareljanik4003]

Nice video ! Do you have any source of your forge hood design ? Thanks

[@torbjornahman]

Karel Janik Thanks. You can find the basic design here - www.anvilfire.com/21centbs/forges/sidedraft_2.htm

[@kareljanik4003]

Torbjörn Åhman Thank you very much !

[@kenbarker6478]

I really wanted to see a nail and to see it used.....if only for a second

[@torbjornahman]

+ken barker I have a video on that subject!

[@kenbarker6478]

Torbjörn Åhman cool man....thanks I will look it up

[@ShortwickCreations]

What steel is it made from? 5160?

[@torbjornahman]

Brad Woodfield I got some pieces of an odd custom steel which I think is closely related to AISI A514. Easy to forge but hardened it's pretty tough stuff. Any medium carbon steel would work fine for a project like this

[@ShortwickCreations]

Torbjörn Åhman Ahh ok. I have a large amount of 5160 and I plan on making a nail header.

[@torbjornahman]

Brad Woodfield That would work nicely. Just temper it well! A nail header by the way can be made in different ways. The simplest is just a hole in a plate more or less, but the idea of "fixing" the tool while you forge the head is nice. I have seen some done for the hardy hole as well.

[@johny9218]

co to było robione?

[@torbjornahman]

?

[@linkfan196]

Why not just extend and shape one piece of steel instead of use multiple pieces?

[@torbjornahman]

Yea, why not!? :) A tool can often be made in several different ways! No right or wrong.

[@molotoboec70]

хотел бы я у тебя поучиться но мы из разных стран *(

[@torbjornahman]

Даниил Данкевич No problem learning by yourself, I did ! Just do it and don't be afraid to fail. :)

[@user-ve6cz9qz8p]

так и не понял,что в итоге получилось?

[@torbjornahman]

жир трест Not sure what you ask?

[@maratah-v7196]

я так понял, это устройство чтоб делать шляпки (головки) для кованых гвоздей и костылей

[@torbjornahman]

Marat Ah-v Yes that is right! I have an older video showing how it's used.

[@user-ve6cz9qz8p]

Marat Ah-vааа,да да да ,видимо так и есть,а зачем он в этой бобышке внутри маленькое отверстие рассверливал?

[@user-ve6cz9qz8p]

Torbjörn Åhman видео не по очереди снимаете

[@DonDomel]

... but whatis this ? Cheers

[@torbjornahman]

DonDomel Check my nail video, how it's used.