How to Forge a Pair of Blacksmithing Tongs Out of Rebar

Hey everyone! A lot of you have been asking how I make rebar tongs, so here they are! These are a bit bigger than the ones I normally use because I've been wanting a set of tongs that will hold longer and wider material.
Thanks for watching and enjoy!
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Nicholas Tomihama
P.O. Box 354
Camas, WA 98607

[@southronjr1570]

I was teaching blacksmithing at a Scout camp last month and on the first day (classroom day) it was found that we were short by 1 pair of tongs for everyone to have their own pair once we started working in the forges. During our lunch break I recalled seeing this video and hurried back to the forge and in front of a few interested students and other camp staff, I knocked out a pair of these tongs in about 20 minutes making sure everyone in the class could have their own pair. It made me look like a hero that actually knew what he was doing (whem I still consider myself a begginer) and word spread and I had kids andvadults begging me to open the forge up for them to practice after dinner and during free periods. I ended up giving the pair I made out of rebar on the first day, away to 2 kids who were best friends and their fathers were keen on forging too. I gave it away on the condition that they each introduce blacksmithing to someone else and pay it forward by giving them advice or a pair of tongs to help them get started.

[@alexbirdwell7299]

@Southron Jr Were you by chance at camp buck toms?

[@southronjr1570]

@@alexbirdwell7299 Bert Adams of the Atlanta Area Council.

[@southronjr1570]

Update: about 2 months ago, I recieved a text message from the boys father who I mentioned above, it seems the 2 boys and their fathers had decided blacksmithing was a good hobby so they went out full bore. The boys built a gas forge, dads pooled their money and bought a used davinci tyoe power hammer and they sent me a pic of them all at their shop they built in their back yard. The pic had them all working around either the hammer or one of the 3 anvils they had set up and their forge was a monster. They had just finished their first axe they made fron scratch

[@fishmut]

@@southronjr1570 .... Wow mate you should be proud , your lessons have started new blacksmiths off and many more to come , great work well done and like your viewers here we all can learn something from you to and pay it forward , a big thankyou , keep the videos coming .

[@zohnrue]

This couldn't be more true and awesome I had a similar experience thank you for sharing

[@DigitalAura]

I’ve memorized this video, I’ve attempted it myself a few times. You make it look SO MUCH easier than it really is.

[@yoshyusmc]

Yes his hammering technique are very good and makes it look easier than it is. The only way to get good like him is practice, practice!

[@robertpothier1861]

I think I speak for many starting off in blacksmithing that watching you a bit ahead of us helps to show us good early projects. This is a really useful video.

[@BackyardBowyer]

Thank you!

[@xxmodmasterxx6484]

@@BackyardBowyer hi, I'm a beginner and I'd really like to know what you use as an anvil in this video, thanks

[@tinycockjock1967]

Man both you and Skyrim's basic smithing made me fall in love with the smithing proffession.

[@johnwilkerson9804]

Thanks man everyone else’s “first tongs” are way more complicated

[@pcolapaddler]

Ive watched several tong videos, and must say that your finished tongs look better than the others ive watched. Alignment and other details were impressive.

[@DGrif14]

I've been planning this exact process out in my mind, but it's so helpful to actually see a step by step video. Liked and subbed!

[@robertfitzgerald8647]

NICK! heyyy watched your bow videos years ago and now I find your excellent genius again as I get into blacksmithing

[@nickzhaosun]

The tip about bending the handles to a desired width while quenching was worth the video by itself. Thanks. I can't wait to make my first pair.

[@art1099]

It took me three tries, but I managed to make my own thanks to this video. The heat treat is what got me both times. It’s winter and I’m forging outside so I think the cold water made the metal too brittle, and it snapped. First at the handle, then at the pin. But my third pair are in one piece for now, so that’s a win! Thank you!

[@scottwillis5434]

I really appreciate the clear audio and explanations of what the goal of each step is and what you are doing. Thanks for the video!

[@michaelcroge6673]

I like how u use inexpensive tools to make and create these awesome tools. Really shows how you can make anything for very little money

[@graysonadams2485]

Thanks a lot for this video! I really liked how comprehensive it was with minimal steps; it demonstrated really well the basics of forging tongs.

[@regobertoaguilar6293]

Thank you.

[@Zombieslag]

This is such a clear and concise tutorial that I believe I am capable of doing this! Instant subscriber here.

[@jaxv94]

I thought this was another channel but I recognized that voice! This is backyard bowyer! this video was a save!

[@paultroiani255]

Nick,thanks so much for making this video. I have always wondered how they were made. Seriously consider putting objects like this on your Etsy store. I, personally, would buy tongs and large tomahawk without hesitation.

[@sandydennis8644]

I always get so excited when you have a new video out. I love watching and learning from them. I still need to find your vlog and definitely want to get your books. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@BackyardBowyer]

Thanks for your support!

[@gorisenke]

Chandler did a video about this some time ago, but it's really nice to see you do it. You tend to explain clearly and that helps quite a bit.

[@farcat7235]

.

[@vaunearl6285]

You make the best instructional videos on KZbin.

[@fredjohnson6794]

Trying this on my new forge right now! One side made! Thanks!!

[@canusakommando9692]

Nick this video was spot on. As usual you add value to basically throw away pieces. Good show. Thanks again Nick.

[@pyromaniac1491]

Aloha. Good to see this video. I’m now in Spokane. Original born & raised on big island. Making my own things all my life then moving up here where there’s pretty much everywhere and anywhere to get supplies is a big change. But anyway I’m now into blacksmithing/bkadesmithing. Love your video bruddah! Aloha

[@ambroscustom]

really a fantastic tutorial, and you really made it so easily definitely going to build this for my own.

[@FLCLnaota]

Old vid, but that was awesome! I'm just starting out and I'd rather build then buy. Awesome.

[@rowenmaxwell2965]

I rewatched this video and was gonna like it, but I realized I already liked it 2 years ago 👍

[@havertgreymane240]

Nick, you are an inspiration, I love your projects! Glad you are around bro!

[@morgey19]

Thank you for making this video. I've found it to be very helpful in helping me make a couple pairs of tongs.

[@eviltwinx]

Nice video and great walk through on the build! I'm a super beginner and this was extremely helpful.

[@SantasWorkshop1964]

Just finished my first forging with bituminous coal and I made these tongs,studied this video very well and still had have it on while I made these,just wonderful and simple instruction and I thank you so much,it took me awhile but got it now,I will definately be switching to propane lol

[@dragan3290]

You make it look so easy! I love that look. 🙂👍👍👍

[@clintjeppson7671]

This is the first thing that I really made in my forge. Thanks for showing me how!

[@primeoozarururalsmith4403]

You just helped me so much with my pivot pin issue! Thank you

[@MixedBag562]

This is so much cheaper than ordering a pair of tongs can cost over $20. Finally newbies like me can avoid spending an excessive funds on tongs(which, I found, are absolutely necessary). That much rebar only costed me $7, and even the saw that cut the rebar can be found for as cheap as $2! Up until now, I was using my moms 1' kitchen tongs. So overall, the price is under $10. Great and very helpful video. Would be great for you to make for vids like this!

[@reactiongamerguy9537]

Me and my dad are planning to do this using some Rebar that we don't use anymore, seems like a fun thing to do

[@KarlsLabReport]

VERY cool! I really like the rebar idea; it's far less expensive than buying other types of steel stock, is fairly strong stuff and certainly gets the job done. Thank you!!

[@einarhagby3227]

Thank you so much for this! I just got an anvil yesterday. I also got some tongs, but they didn't really fit my needs. They where also kinda expensive..! Rebar is perfect and this seems like a really easy project! I will defenetly make this! Thanks!

[@einarhagby3227]

Just one thing! When you dip the tongs in the bucket, doesn't it heattreat then and become really brytal (i have no idea how that's spelled)?? What if you accedentaly hit it? Will it break? ;D

[@BackyardBowyer]

Most rebar is fairly mild and should be fine. You may sometimes come across higher carbon rebar, which is more like a medium carbon steel and while it can become brittle when quenched, I haven't had a problem with the tongs yet. I usually end up quenching my tongs regularly while I work, sometimes on purpose. Also, you'll probably end up drawing the hardness out the next time the tongs are used to hold something hot. Thanks for watching!

[@jennabath1917]

Home Made STUFF u u B km

[@thirdeyepuckerexplorations3885]

LOVED THE SIMPLICITY OF MAKING AND INSTRUCTIONS..THANK YOU and deffanitly subcribing..will be my first thing to forge as ive 4 meters of that same re-bar and have no tongs,so will build my lpg BBQ gas bottle drum charcoal forge with disc brake bowel and heat gun for forced air and limited room and then ill try out making the tongs..thank you

[@dnngskn62]

Nicely done video on this topic Nick.

[@jimbobojim4634]

Wow this is quite a step from the last videos of pvc bows that I saw a few years ago.

[@slightly_irish71]

Thanks for the tutorial, this will help out a lot with forging smaller items than what I've been restricted to

[@FUGYOO]

Good job Backyard. I used the tie down bars from a mobile home i dismantled. They are screwed into the ground to anchor the home down. 3-4 inch steel.

[@rawdio.docdar5715]

Excellent tutorial, Thankyou from Ontario

[@matonmongo]

Very clear and straightforward... thx! What a talented guy, who'd probably make a very creative Engineer (we could use more of those)!

[@ricardogimenez7483]

Wow ... good lesson e excellent job. Congrats from Brazil.

[@jb573]

great video. I'm a big fan of your channel. huge thumbs up Nick

[@sebastianmucci9180]

There is only one word for this video. Awesome.

[@drewdrops-6754]

dang man you picked up blacksmithing like a boss!

[@bigfootandbananaman4746]

Very good skills you have. Great video

[@fishmut]

When first starting out I think the kiss principle is best , keep it simple silly lol , newbies getting their first tongs this is the way to go. 👍

[@danfraser7479]

Well done and simple.

[@joshm3484]

That's the first time I saw the adjust as you quench. Great idea.

[@KOTEC525]

This is awesome! I don't have a heat source yet, but I'll be making my first set of tongs! $3 of steel into a $60 tool!

[@robertlombardo8437]

I'll bet that rebar surface makes a nice grip. Thank you so much, from this rookie to you!

[@alexmasuko9501]

Muito bom! 👏👏👏 sou Brasileiro 🇧🇷 e só curtindo seu canal.

[@sonnyc3826]

pretty crafty stuff

[@FJandG]

I followed your good video on making tongs. The first pair I quenched and later accidentally him them after they cooled and they shattered. So subsequent tongs I made without quenching like you did and they work fine now.

[@saintmichael3879]

Wow. Outstanding video. Good stuff. Okay... ...I'll try it.

[@tylerkrug7719]

Great narration.

[@CactusJonesVlogs]

YEaeaeaeaeeaeaeae!!!!! NICK TOOK MY SUGGESTION!!!!!!

[@Flightfirewithfire]

nick can you do a forge build video? or at least a quick run down on the details? thanks man love your vids!

[@surge2620]

I completely agree I've been wanting to make one but never found a good design but I like the way nicks is not big and bulky but able to heat up a fair amount of metal

[@alfaatih637]

yes...plz make a video on how to make a forge.

[@camalo171]

I agree. I like your videos, and your forge looks great

[@wesley7910]

I want to see his forge too!

[@coen8323]

Surge build your own design you're not a little kid you can do it

[@stevenvanrensburg2938]

Very nice work my friend! I want to try this soon. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@reneemills-mistretta790]

Beautiful work!!

[@ivanmr359]

odlicna stvar ,hvala!

[@Wownerd1265]

I recently tried to make some tongs... didn't turn out so well as this. But, I picked up some free rebar, so I'm definitely going to give this a try. With what I learned last time I think I can hope to make something... well, at least useful.

[@ethantroy311]

Thank you for the detailed video.

[@BackyardBowyer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jam2027]

Nice job

[@smoovesaint]

Awesome job dude

[@احمدالخزاعي-ع2ظ]

awesome nick you're really a great teacher,thanks for the great video :)

[@SuperGuitarbill]

Great vid what,s in the bucket?

[@thewolf8660]

that's awesome. have you thought about making a quiver for your arrows? that would be awesome.

[@danieldavidson5447]

Thanks! This tutorial was very helpful! I am going to be forging these tongs to save a bit of cash haha

[@BackyardBowyer]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@thegamingsmithy1295]

That's cool, I've been trying to make tongs for the longest time

[@hanoitripper1809]

This looks really satisfying work. What kind of rebar is best?

[@101boertjie]

Great video thanks, this is the answer i have been looking for for some time now.

[@GhostCreeper]

Great video

[@1moreuser]

Awesome project, thank you!

[@alcinosoares2229]

Muito bom seu trabalho.

[@UmarRosyad]

amazing work, man

[@davidk6271]

Good work

[@richhalmuth160]

What are you using for your anvil This was an excellent video Thank you

[@terryblishak9782]

made mine today thanks to you bro...

[@timboudreaux2773]

very nice thanks

[@THEDRAGONBOOSTER8]

Nice job..

[@takagan85]

Love it

[@korbangabut5767]

This is helpful Thanks Man I'm just Starting a New Hobby 😀

[@haydenpierrus5783]

awesome nick I love these tongs however they don't grab everything I want to hold sometimes so please can you make a video on making flatiped tongs from rebar

[@kentaylor3087]

Trying to make tongs,I have found out ,I make a good truck driver

[@ColdHawk]

Right there with you brother!

[@antsatlas4855]

I know I’m late but please explain

[@hanoitripper1809]

Hahahaha nice one!

[@alexgelder5794]

awsome vid , this is realy inatave and resourceful, I love it

[@TomSommer]

nice job on the tongs. Does the steel harden?

[@drpanditraoupadhay2143]

Very good sir 👌 👍

[@TV-uq9jh]

Thanks very good.

[@adrienfournier-mckoy878]

Your channel is awesome💪🏽👌🏻

[@krustysurfer]

Nice work great job! thank you

[@ReallyMichaelRicc]

Hi there Nick! I just started watching your videos a few days ago, and you really made me want to forge! I've watched your "How to make a Karambit out of a Lawnmower blade" probably a dozen times! My only question is, how do you make the forge you used in that video? I'm trying to buy some beginner stuff, and don't have a lot of money for it, and saw that you had that simple one, and really want to start making knives as soon as possible! Thanks for the great videos, and continue with the awesome teaching!

[@sandervanduren2779]

Search on KZbin a guy name Grant Thompson. He has a video on how to make both a forge(more of a foundry, but it'll probably work) as well as a propane burner

[@ReallyMichaelRicc]

Thanks! That'll help!

[@sandervanduren2779]

+Wolfysharpfang no problem, man!

[@Magilla7395]

Nicely Done!!

[@choogiesaur]

Awesome video dude. Also, you have a great narrating voice! Lol

[@nickulvatten1039]

Thank you!

[@NotonlyWood]

Cool I'll make one of those currently I'm forging with visegrips that's just not perfect

[@wouty159]

Finally an "easy" way to do this