Parallel Jaw Blacksmith Tongs - Are They Any Good?

[@monsternside1509]

When did this become a Blacksmithing channel??? I came here for more of KZbin's premier Brick Laying Video's.

[@TheLynxer]

I'm here for when they cook pizza in the oven.

[@starhawke380]

Im thinking back, and I do remember there being some talk of blacksmithing on this channel. In the distant past I think...

[@michaelwalsh9881]

I am here for homemade green wood chairs

[@moconnell663]

I was hoping there might be some pipe-laying videos in the near future

[@pokerboyfakerish3266]

I thought this was a pants design youtube channel :O

[@smyro]

I really like the first hammering scene. No slow mo or close up gives a real feel of the hammering power.

[@leviathan7477]

I was just thinking the same thing. It also really highlights the level of skill Alec has acquired from so much practice.

[@samueljackson1247]

I must say, the one take forging sequence was a thing of beauty.

[@skullian12]

Loved the single take shot of Alec forging, really gets you into the rhythm and precision he has!

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

Maybe you should make another like this with a larger hole spaceing to increase the swing distance. It would also slightly decrease grip strength, but would allow for holding larger material.

[@fakjbf3129]

Yeah, basically the thickest thing he can grip will be roughly equal to the distance between the pivot points on the swing bars. And you can actually only use a portion of that distance because if you open the jaws too wide then you won't be able to grip both handles in one hand.

[@FeuerToifel]

i think the holding bits would also need to be longer then.

[@Zackfish12345]

I second this. I love a quick interesting build, and a larger set of these would be great to watch!

[@illagevidiot8254]

@@fakjbf3129 Not necessarily, if you make it with a more obtuse angle for the closure that would fix the issue entirely. Longer spacing with a wider angle, instead of the ~135º angle that these are bent to, maybe go 155º or something. I think there's a certain point where these things will grip un-evenly the larger you go though, and I think that it's not necessarily a "one size fits all" tool. Notice how the top handle piece pulls back as you open them? Eventually that difference is going to cause issues. I think its a "one size fits most," however and would be perfectly sufficient to create a second set with the intention of having them not be fully closed, instead having the smallest gap being slightly below what this one's maximum is. The only question I'd have to see to know is how the force applied would be affected by the angle. I'd imagine it would have quite a bit less leverage. I'm not particularly good at math, so I couldn't figure out the force due to the compound levers at the angle they're at. Having two tools to fit a large array of sizes is substantially better than 6 tools to do the same, provided they are both effective at what they do.

[@iainburgess8577]

This is why the modern sample had that complex adjustment (knipex) I agree you can move the pivots for wider hold range, and there a few ways to incorporate adjustment for the handles, to maintain workable grip width & hold power. The problem is that it's another increase in complexity, & that rabbit hole just keeps going.

[@TheDarkMaw]

I think one of the most impressive skills that Alec has is being able to take such a powerful and large swing while still retaining accuracy. If I tried the best I could get is a pancake at best.

[@JokerInk-CustomBuilds]

practice... I am an electrician and we spend alot of time hammering cableclips, and knocking out holes and grooves in brick walls...you kinda learn to balance accuracy, speed and power... :)

[@jeanladoire4141]

Start by hammering lightly with a medium sized hammer and practice accuracy. 10 000 blows later, you will be able to swing hard and keep the accuracy

[@jakeronimo6115]

I also love the hint of farrier form in his swing

[@frankierzucekjr]

Years of practice, he's been doing this for a very long time. I can only imagine how good he will be in another 10 to 20 years. I like that he's willing to teach others. Because I always love to learn something new.

[@jeanladoire4141]

@@frankierzucekjr meh i'm somewhat disappointed that alec doesn't take the time to make actual classes on his yt channel. I know he taught classes before, and i know it's not what he wants to do anymore, but the Your Edge series by Ilya is much more in depht in terms of explanations.

[@hipjazzbone]

I know you focus on being out of practice forging, but that one-heat tongue blank was beautiful forging to watch. Very efficient and a great goal for me (and people like me) to aspire to. A constant for years now is that I love watching you make tools; forged (tongs, hammers, axes, etc) and machined (ratchet or even the small wheel attachment years ago). Tools are the ultimate for a maker as they expand your means to make.

[@bandana_girl6507]

Increase the Link distance and decrease its angle with the jaw surface to increase the clamping range. Also bonus that these tongs are less likely to leave an impression in a piece (so long as its sides are parallel) even if you have more total force gripping it because the pressure is lower

[@guitarplay9]

That socket wrench shot at 3:39

[@InformatrIIcks]

That first forging sequence was amazing! Please more raw, unedited forging !

[@lukeleese1871]

Great to see you forging again! Now you should make another designed on fusion and made on the mill as a comparison.

[@skullian12]

That first heat sequence was so lovely to watch! No edits made it really easy to see your skill and precision

[@simongrea1440]

love seeing you forge things and try things alec, brings me back memories when i first watched your videos in highschool and at the university. Now i'm learning steel working, thanks to you !

[@TobiasKornmayer]

Hey Alec, if you made the two links of threaded rods, you could have it being adjustable and then affix the setting with one counter nut on each link, what do you think? You'd need to have each pivot pin welded to a nut, each link would also need to have left and right handed threads for it to open and close, so the threaded rod would be a lathe or welding job joining two counter threaded rods.

[@cameronwebster6866]

Or start with a turnbuckle.

[@andrewyork3869]

Yeah basically a giant pair of vise grips.

[@99Etien]

But then again, it would be faster and more convenient to just grab onto another pair of tongs.

[@dan725]

LOVE that one-take hammering of one heat!! So accurate and shows the years of experience of Alec, BUT, also Great impromptu camera work too! An amazing duo of talent!

[@jaydendarrington7192]

I am loving the new direction Alec. Finding tools (or just fun things) from other professions that can be made in a mill or a forge and not only making them yourself but also learning/teaching how they work. Can't wait to see what the next project is!

[@jonarific8504]

"I've numbered all the parts." [Shot of parts labelled B, L, H, and T] "I'm gonna start with number B". [Pedants roll up sleeves] "Well..."

[@audreydodgen8699]

Real pedants roll… 😂

[@vwegert]

"How do you define 'number'?"

[@WildAcresFarms]

@@vwegert something other than a letter, generally.

[@JackPinesBlacksmithing]

It’s no secret that Alec inspires me since I start every live stream with a leaf keyring charm. However, I think he’s done it again and I’ll need to try my hand at making these tongs…after I finish my current flat jaw tongs project.

[@roberthoffman2932]

Really dig the uncut shots in this one while you're forging

[@MrPatrik246]

Hey Alec, I recently watched The Northman movie, and they had a pretty cool sword, I think it would be fun for you to recreate it

[@EmilReiko]

Is it the Vendel Era ringsword he takes from the Draug?

[@sethbaldwin6050]

I love you get really focused on forging. Lately it’s been focusing on math and tooling but just seeing you go quiet and swing a hammer is so nice to see!

[@RVsbladesnthangs]

So excited to see a little Blacksmithing going on!

[@Lermoth]

I love seeing you doing some proper forging at the anvil again and I had almost forgot how amazingly brilliant at forging you are. The finish and accuracy you achieve without any grinding is astounding.

[@KeltonCSmith]

Missing a new video my guy! Also wanted to just say that I've been watching for a while now, and have found motivation to start blacksmithing. Built a simple coal forge, made my first pair of tongs, just waiting to aquire an anvil. Thank you for the motivation, and the educational videos. Your awesome.

[@hookenz]

I'm sure with a little tweaking to the design you can make them open from zero to much wider!

[@RidpathLifts]

3:39, i like the cheeky showing off of that amazing ratchet

[@ShootLiegh]

The big projects are cool, but I really enjoy these one-offs. Especially any project that's making more tools for blacksmithing.

[@ootoriazumi1349]

if you make the distance between the pivots on each section sections longer, you can make it open wider. you can also double up the mechanism to have it on both sides (though it'll make it physically less durable due to more parts) and it'll also open wider. Plus it'll keep the tips of the tongs from shifting forward/backward in relation to each other.

[@brokenspork2030]

FINALLY ANOTHER BLACKSMITH VIDEO YAY

[@HadronWolf]

I'm so glad to see a return of some toolsmithing, I've been binging your old videos and its a goldmine of useful tricks and techniques.

[@taitano12]

Heat'n and beat'n and the old style of music as well? You're getting back to the stuff that got me to subscribe and I love it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the machining and powerhammer stuff, but I'd like to see more of the old school stuff like this. 😉

[@jimq]

CJ Forge! That's where I took my blacksmith class at here in Michigan! Great guys over there. Very welcoming to anyone.

[@martinfrappier1434]

This is a great idea! I beleive every blacksmith should try to make a couple of these. They seem useful and they can be good practice for beginners like myself.

[@TheBenzaifarmer]

It’s like we’re all back in the shed with a dirt floor again!! Glad you still remember how to do all this stuff!!

[@PeterKNoone]

My Knipex tools are probably my favorites. Love this idea for forging tongs.

[@PheelTheJoy]

Look at you go! Hitting hot metal bits with other less hot but more heavy metal bits. I doubt there are many brick layers or machinist that could do what you do. Such a talented fellow, I applaud you, your talents, and the work it took you to get as good as you are. A real master of moving metal, in any fashion.

[@RyanFerreri]

This episode brings me back to the live shows you used to do at Barker Street. Good to see you doing "real" blacksmithing once in a while.

[@michaelgibson1844]

I found those Knipex pliers a few years ago and they changed my life!

[@kwiebusch]

Yep. Bought a Knipex Pliers wrench recently too for times when a pipe wrench wouldn't work.

[@alexparadi522]

Are you sure you're a blacksmith still? Not sure I've seen you forge something for a long time ;) Love see you get back to heating and beating (and struggling with stuff and overcoming it) more often! :)

[@cleverusername9369]

He just got done making a Zippo, a giant war hammer, and has been working on a Damascus socket wrench, I think he's still got it.

[@victornunes900]

@@cleverusername9369 I don't know man, I don't think those are of the same caliber as his brick wall. I think Alec is a professional bricklayer

[@alexparadi522]

@@cleverusername9369 Those are manufacturing projects (with some Damascus billet-making) vs blacksmithing/bladesmithing projects. Just saying that I prefer the blacksmithing stuff to the machining work. Though to be honest - what I really miss is seeing the journey of discovery consistently. In years past the videos were more focused on Alec struggling and learning. Encountering a problem and then working his way around it and bringing us along for the ride. They do still have that at times, but not as much as I prefer

[@kalelinford]

@@alexparadi522 get over it

[@aserta]

He's busy with the house whilst trying to keep the YT channel floating, can't be easy. I was saddled with a house to fix in the last 4 years and i can barely keep up with what was my normal life.

[@snapperthmj]

I think to make them open further I would elongate the upper hole with some notches for locking in place. Great work Alec!!!!!

[@mr.eckshun4947]

Pure nostalgia all the way from that old shed you started in. I love the throwback. Would you ever consider doing a katana in the traditional way? I.e. heating iron sand, separating out high/low carbon for use in blade and spine. There's a great 45 min KZbin doc on it

[@smokertwashington]

Always thinking and Always communicating clearly. We’ll done bro!

[@colvinwellborn]

This is super cool. I knew parallel jaw pliers were a thing, but I never would have thought to make parallel jaw tongs! Gonna have to try to make some.

[@michaelgatford6194]

Great job Alec. You should definitely make some more a refine the design. One set of tongs to rule them all. Also I think i spied you using your damascus ratchet to 3:39

[@hoinckotheneighbor]

Got to love how every single time Alec needs something he either buys it or he makes it and I prefer when you make it

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

Great bit of forging Alec

[@briankline3306]

Change the pivot point on the front by adding a hole over to the side then follow by doing the same on the link. so you can open wider. It may make the jaws not close down to nothing but it will make it more versatile

[@NeelsVandenBerg]

I need a set!!

[@markschwegler1100]

Best vid in ages!!! Bringing us back to barker st days!!!! Just Alec and some red hot steel!!!!

[@beardedchair3]

The ASMR out of the first hammer strikes were gold!

[@cerocero2817]

I made a very simple parallel pair of bolt tongs simply by having one of the jaws hinging on a pivot. Like all "all purporse" tongs they had many problems, the range of material was pretty good but when trying to grab something that is far from the optimal size the jaws don't align perfectly, and the hinge tended to seize. I see them just as a tool for when I don't feel like making another pair of tongs. I'be been meaning to try a design with an adjustable jaw, like the knipex you showed. That way you get mechanical advantage, optimal grip position and wide range. The challenge is making it in a way that can take a propper beating.

[@CodyT362]

Thid is what I came to this channel 6 years ago for! Forging. I love the fact you've kept in there the sounds of the shop and explained the process you're going through as a blacksmith to make this tool

[@truthandjustice975]

Yes!! As much as I like the machining videos, I subscribed to the channel for the forging! It is good to see some again.

[@andrejohnson6731]

Boy, Alec and Jamie are really cranking these videos out! Dynamic Duo

[@CaptIronfoundersson]

Wait just a second. Are you telling me this isn't a brick laying channel?

[@djscotty06]

I havnt watched your channel in ages Alec. I’ve been to busy. What a great video. Reminds me of your old live streams from back in the UK. You’ve got me hooked again. 👍

[@rainmannoodles]

I'm not a blacksmith so I can't say for certain how much this affects the usability, but the issue I see is that the handles will come closer together if you have thinner material, but will be spread pretty wide with thicker material. I can think of a couple solutions to that, with vastly different advantages and drawbacks: 1. A mechanism like the Knipex where you can adjust location of the pivot 2. Something like Vise-Grip locking pliers, where you can use a screw to adjust the mechanism's geometry I think option 2 would be particularly interesting because it would not only adjust for material sizes, but it could also allow the mechanism to lock. And converting that mechanism into a parallel-jaw version is absolutely possible.

[@kzarnold3678]

Good to see you back in your element i noticed you smiling. And not pulling your hair out

[@AndreasHontzia]

There are so many fascinating mechanical designs, which solve fun problems, that there must be another project for you to do. You should sketch them in CAD, but the paper one was great.

[@joebland5331]

I've done some blacksmithing with my great uncle and I'll never forget his thought process on making things. "Rough it out with a hammer in an hour, shape it the next three days with files" I've seen him make almost machine precision parts with his ability to file a project to completion.

[@romandybala]

One minute at the forge An hour at the bench

[@joshuahaney2232]

Great to see you doing some good work back to your roots. Great video.

[@lanmastersassistant659]

Such interesting content now your back from the states. I find it all the more inspirational, now your making all sorts of different things

[@MegaBensley]

Love the idea, but we (my son and I) challenge you to make some parallel jaw tongs which open wider to be able to hold a wider range of materials. We are going to make some from wood (we don't have a forge yet) and will send you a picture when they are finished!

[@Throned1781]

Alec I can see you taking on a full metal works chess board and pieces all Damascus and engraved and jeweled. Would be cool to see anyway....50 episodes who knows :)

[@jaydowns4230]

I miss your live stream... you went back for a second... glad to see you get back to roots, bro

[@benbianco8996]

Can you make a tutorial on making a small charcoal forge?

[@pauldevey8628]

This channel is so infrequent. I wish it was regular like it used to be.

[@Lorddanielrushton371]

Nicely done. This showed your true blacksmithing. Excellent tongs.

[@Nomand55]

Good to see the socket wrench getting some use.

[@creativework]

Good job Alec

[@ScottTheis]

We miss you forging by hand.

[@mikeking7470]

Clever build! Good thing most blacksmiths can make their own tongs and repurpose them when some new type of holding is needed.

[@jaquo25]

Dude is a beast on that anvil. Thanks for at least pretending to be tired after that. Makes us feel a little better.

[@TheConcussiveBarrage]

I love the range of content from this mad lad!

[@mr.smallshop9787]

I look forward to these videos after a stressful day.

[@ScottRedstone]

See you are sporting the espresso black trousers. I just bought my third pair. One was for me the others for friends. Your shipping is super fast. Must be Ship Station. The trousers are amazing. I promised to get 100 people wearing them. So far three. 97 to go.

[@laanyan]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who makes mockups.

[@michaelprice5399]

Good to see the Damascus socket wrench coming in handy so soon ❤️

[@Futt.Buckerson]

Those lovely "adjustable pliers" are called Channelocks where I come from. My grandfather worked in the original factory. 😁

[@thisisnotmyname91]

Cool to see you back to forging, but I do love your machining heavy projects as well.

[@EdwardWB97]

I hope to see some more bladesmithing!

[@KrakenCasting]

Alec back in the forge?! You love to see it!

[@kysersoze3632]

That segway into the advert is the smoothest thing on youtube

[@jebowlin3879]

Next Step, Tongs with channel locking jaws Awesome as always Alec!

[@GiladBarad]

Alec I dare you to make a sword without any power tools

[@MadebyKourmoulis]

Still at it?

[@SnyperMK2000JclL]

While all the machining is cook, I really do miss the throwing sparks from smacking some hot steel... we need more smithing again and a bit less machining...

[@GiladBarad]

@@MadebyKourmoulis always

[@MadebyKourmoulis]

@@GiladBarad can't be faulted for your determination I suppose.

[@markperryman797]

He needs to use the coal forge tho he always uses the propane forge

[@M4st3r0fN0n3]

Fun fact: Alec struck the bottom tong blank 87 times in the first heat without pausing for over 1 second between strikes

[@aviadfalah3085]

Hi Alec! Please consider making an automaton! It will be an awesome series!

[@nieronfire7203]

So good to see you back at smithing !

[@oldschoolcfi3833]

YAY blacksmithing video! my favorite.

[@trikstari7687]

Your "singing" at about 6:00 made me think of Frankie Boyle's Night Rider skit. I freaking lost it.

[@jerrydean2555]

Hey Alec. I would love to see you make a bunch of Damascus rod blanks and take them to a golf manufacturer and have them forged into irons. Or try to forge a set yourself.

[@nkcbooker]

like all your products but it takes me back to your primary forging days and it was enjoyable. Like to see you do some more forging and having fun!!

[@tcp3059]

One change you might think about in the future is adjustable pivot points, i.e. put more holes in your links so you can have a wider range of ranges.

[@Mr09worthy]

This will probably be a daft question...but when your hammering..why do you keep tapping the hammer on the anvil? Loving your videos 👍👍

[@Real_Taff]

I believe it’s for rhythm which helps but I have also been told by a blacksmith that it signals intent without having to speak over the noise of the forge. I.e if they tap the anvil it signals another strike is coming. If anyone else has heard any different I’d be interested to know lol

[@Jose-Sousa]

I don't really know, but it looks like it is to adjust and/or align the grip on the hammer ...

[@ameise1595]

It is rythm and energy conservation aswell as getting your brain ready to forge i have never had a hammer twist in my hand but it is mutch easyer to reajust when your lifting than when its bounceing of the anvil

[@frankierzucekjr]

You should try to make a pair that's like an adjustable wrench, where you can slide it from large to smaller grip. That would be cool. They came out great tho

[@magnushaulrich-hansen8700]

Now that were doing more maching I would like to see Alec making a pair og Damaskus calipars. Always a big fan of the content.

[@lewisalderfer2920]

Happy to see the forge alight once more

[@damirlorca1298]

do the wim hof method for recuperation and havo more energy for work!

[@lewismorris5170]

Nice to see you blacksmithing again.

[@Jason-o5s]

Cheer~~~an instrument with two movable arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and holding things.😊