Varangian Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I'm. A newbie with a hodgepodge of equipment. I primarily am making RR spike knives, but can't find a tong that properly holds the large end. Please tell me what you use, specifically, and where I can get them. I have been asked to do a demo for a historical society in August, and can't risk a hot spike getting away from me with bystanders around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 You want wolf jaw tongs, they'll reach around the head so you can grip the shaft. The trick being the jaw shape, you'll want to be able to hold the shaft on it's sides not the corners. What experience do you have smithing? making a pair or two of tongs is an excellent way to increase your skills sets and you get tools you need. It's a win win. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Here ya go, three options. Pick the one that suits your skills and budget. Arc welded from scraps. Forged from stock. Commercially available from a catalog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DSW Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I've got a set of the commercial ones John posted a picture of. They work great but now that my experience has increased, I'd probably just make a set now. You might want to take a minute and add your location so we always know where you are located at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Buy a pair of old hoof nippers at the flea market. Then all you have to do is cut a notch in one jaw so the nippers can surround the head and clamp solidly on the shank. The shape of the jaws means almost all of the spike's shank is exposed to the hammer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Mullins Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I'd vote for the 3rd option John posted. Making your own is excellent practice and minor variations on that design will allow their use for a wide range of stock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 And Vaughn's suggestion will get you forging while you are working on the tongs; doesn't hurt to have a backup for your most used tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admanfrd Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 A pair of bolt tongs with square jaws so you can cold round and square while still being able to articulate. One jaw wider than the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windancer Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Grant sold some that were actually made to hold the end of a spike. You might check Blacksmith supply and blacksmith depot. One of the two is selling Grant's line. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mitch4ging Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Glen with gs tongs also has a nice pair. So many options. John, I like your top set, they look very sturdy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis Trez Cole Posted April 19, 2014 Share Posted April 19, 2014 I ran across a smith that has re pursed a set of Besco battery pliers. They hold the head of a railroad spike well.http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/other-makers.html#besco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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