Forging a simple drive hook - blacksmithing for beginners

[@Bangalangs]

Digging into these older videos. Finally nailed down a good steel supplier in my area, and have more opportunity to make these little projects without having to draw out and size down rebar scraps.

[@casper1240]

These look lovely on wooden beams

[@TheOldaz1]

Thanks John, very minimalist, but very useful. You could have a row of them into a punched bar with a riveted end instead of a spike, very handy in the shop.

[@michaelhayes1678]

An amazing drive hook. I've only done one, which I did in round rod. I like the idea of using square bar with the decorative twist. Even the most "seasonedsmith" should appreciate good art. :)

[@SirFuseable]

Thanks John. No matter how experienced and tooled up the bulk of your viewers get, there will always be newbies looking for just this kind of information.

[@BlackBearForge]

True

[@steelpennyforge5152]

Nice way to mix in more basic stuff with the bigger "advanced" projects. I like the message that basic equipment doesn't need to hold you back. You are a gifted smith and teacher!

[@Sigsigs]

This is so helpful. Awesome content and demonstration!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

It is awesome that you think of the beginner John ..as I would assume that a lot of beginners are looking at uTube for ideas and beginner projects.and you Sir are a great teacher ..thank you for your time and talents...a subscriber for life ..

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate the comment and i am glad you are enjoying the videos

[@mitchelledwards883]

Thanks for the video. I am currently working on a drive hook as my first project.

[@TufStockdogs]

Thank you John this is my great therapy you really help me alot with doing it all

[@trminer]

Even the simplest items you forge demonstrate the elegance of the craft. The skill that you bring to the project make the demonstration even more enjoyable. :)

[@ryanstark6333]

These beginner videos are great! It's awesome to see varying ways to get the job done and is probably my favorite part of your videos as it makes me think about how I can do it with what I've got. I watch religiously, great channel!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks

[@paulorchard7960]

John, been watching you now for a year and you never fail to teach me something! Keep it up my friend, knowledge needs to passed on so we don’t forget!

[@markweiss9858]

I like the way that you mix it up from basic to advanced projects. First thing I do every morning is check my phone to see what you posted I’m glad that I found your channel

[@jamesmcmillen4828]

I love these little hooks. They're fun to make and easy for kids to do.

[@richregan8911]

Much appreciated! I am one of those guys who still has a campfire/hair dryer and a chunk of steel.

[@shifty3453]

Nice to go back to basics once in a while. I have some small nephews that I would like to try this one with.

[@alansloas777]

Those are handy to make when I volunteer at Moreston Village during the summer where visitors can come and see what life was like in rural Ontario 100 - 150 years ago. We have many of those hooks hanging things in the blacksmith shop as well as the log cabin, log house, and farm house.

[@strongsadventures]

Very informative video John. Thanks

[@peterbrownrigg7021]

Great video. I am just getting started in blacksmithing and find that I spend most of my time making tools . Nice to see a basic project that I can do with the forge and anvil. Keep them coming!

[@chbeagles]

Great video very clear instruction. And behalf of all beginner blacksmith thank you.

[@rickisi]

Perfect for me. thank you.

[@brettsayers7768]

Thanks John that really helped, I am one of those guys working in the back yard, have learned a lot from you and your channel.

[@scottsalgren2024]

Your a very considerate teacher.

[@johnjude2677]

Treats every one will respect don't he , Had I had a teacher as him I would had been a better student ( and person ).

[@johnjude2677]

Hay John how about showing how a small shop can build a cone.I thinking maybe building it with 16 gauge will you give feed back on a homebuilt ? But again a good lessons hear Thanks you.

[@jetblackstar]

"we'll fix that"; seeing how using beginners tools you hit issues we will and how you, with your skills, would resolve beginners mistakes (and mistakes the basic tools invite) is invaluable. It also helps us beginners realise "I really aught to get an X next, it would make this job so much easier". I want an upright cone soon. I realised crouched down by the horn I can see my bend and learn more how it moves if I can see and fix issues in less heats. I then realised scale falling on your hand is painful and crouching by an anvil is stupid lol. busy learning day. Good quick video, I keep trying to think of more short video ideas, always forget you can fit forging into 10mins :) Thanks loads as always

[@BlackBearForge]

I appreciate the comment, thanks

[@GONE2VT802]

Great video John! Thank you!

[@PeopleAlreadyDidThis]

You’ve invented the forged saxophone!

[@BlackBearForge]

Let it cool before you bring it to your lips

[@jackdawg4579]

cheers John. Nice pieces!

[@bc65925]

I just forged one of these a couple of weeks ago at a demo. It's a good project for that as it is quick, makes use of a short piece of scrap and it's useful.

[@charlesmay8251]

the basics are essential! good video

[@karl1949]

Exactly, BB ... you're pretty much 'way' ahead of most of us wanna be dooms day prepers/2018 man card/life skill dudes/survival man wanna be dudes! / / / lol Thx.4di'skills Big Up!!!

[@jeffbarkett366]

Another great video John!!

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you

[@simpleforging3339]

thanks for thinking about us little guys. As far as I'm concerned hooks and fire pokers will do me out :)

[@BlackBearForge]

Someone on Instagram did a different hook every day for a full year.

[@casper1240]

Still using my hairdryer forge its all you need,but get a pro Salon constant use Dryer no probs been using mine for last 4 years

[@Btines01]

I still dig it!

[@shadowcastre]

I like it..! Very innovative. Video idea/request... a large stake/stump anvil. Either for the hardy hole or driven into a stump. 1 foot long ish.. 2 inch wide ish.. small horn and heel. I have been thinking about T1 or AR500 for steel, but mild would certainly do the job. Thanks for the video...

[@BlackBearForge]

That would be fun, but it will require some research and perhaps tooling up.

[@ronthacker211]

Still like the simple projects.

[@scottreynolds4827]

Beam hook. aka barn hook. My first blacksmith project. I now forget the exact angle, but if I recall, its 100° or just beyond 90° . Thata- way, when driven into the beam, the 100° bend acts like a spring and holds it fast (tight) I still make these. In fact, I forge tons of hooks. Working for a historic landmark, I discovered visitors want small-stuff. They will NOT shell-out 50/100/150/200 dollars for a knife or a fire poker set. They want to spend 1.00 for a hand forged nail or 5.00 for a small hook. The high rollers will give 20.00 for a fire poker or a hot-dog fork. Folks love hooks. Especially hooks forged from a horse shoe nail.

[@kennethomeara9848]

Great project. I am going to be using a piece of forklift fork as my anvil. Any pieces of advice?

[@BlackBearForge]

Mount it solidly to whatever you use for a stand. If you weld. adding some square tube for use as a hardy hole will help.

[@billymartinozarkmountainfo225]

Can u make a video on how to make the tongs. That you was using to hold the hook when u was making the curl? Thanks

[@BlackBearForge]

I will add those to the list.

[@johnkotlarchick4191]

I think if you don't have a horn trying to get the radius right a piece of pipe with the fork that you made would be a very good option

[@BlackBearForge]

That work poretty well for larger bends, but for a little hook it's tough to get a bending wrench that small in the pipe

[@caseyoutdoors3897]

Did you make your bending wrench? If you did do you have a video on that?

[@BlackBearForge]

Yes, there is a video on the topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnjXgKdvqcSDl7s

[@007-b9n]

About how much weight do you think this hook will hold ?

[@BlackBearForge]

It might hold a 100 pounds, but that seems like pushing your luck. 20 - 30 pounds would seem very reasonable, especially with a bit longer spike

[@007-b9n]

Black Bear Forge that pretty good I did not think it would be that much. Sounds like I should make 4 or 5 for practice and to use in my garage thank you.

[@BlackBearForge]

No guarantees. Some day I may find a way to test such things

[@007-b9n]

Give me some time and I am such I will find out. Lol

[@stustudy2475]

John "ok we took our time with starter tools, now let me show you how you can do this quickly" metal immediately turns to playdoh and 3 seconds later a perfect hook emerges

[@BlackBearForge]

I do slow down when I try to explain what I'm doing

[@eganschreurs7314]

First?

[@jetblackstar]

Egan Schreurs dam you, so close :)