JHCC Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 I've been thinking about how it can sometimes be difficult to combine a properly forged bottle opener with a more delicate handle. Either the handle isn't robust enough to support the forging of the opener end, or it's hard to get a really good solid grip on the opener end while you forge the handle. Then I saw an illustration on page 23 of J. W. Lillico's Blacksmith's Manual Illustrated of a pair of tongs to hold pipe from the inside: And the light bulb went off: combine the lever action of these tongs (similar to the pliers for installing and removing snap rings) with the hooks from a pair of bladesmith's tongs -- but facing out rather than facing in. A length of 1/4" x 1/2", a couple of hours in the forge, and here we are. I don't know if anyone's done this before, but it felt great to come up with something (maybe) new and useful. I need to smooth off the inside of the hooks a bit more, as they're still a bit rough. Nonetheless, they worked great: light, strong, and very secure. And here’s the opener itself: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyGoatLady Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 I'm not an expert on tongs, but it's certainly something I've never seen before. I bet it'd work well for other items also. Good thinking and nice work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daswulf Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 I like them John! Good thinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkunkel Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Nice tongs and bottle opener! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les L Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Great job on both Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLAG Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 John, The tongs are a very innovative idea. Nice job on smithing same. Regards, SLAG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven NY Posted August 18, 2019 Share Posted August 18, 2019 Very nice tongs/bottle opener. That is a problem I have solved in the past with a convenience bend but your idea is much cleaner. I will need to make a pair of these. Thank you. have a great day, W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ConstructionK88 Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 At first I was like "how in the h"...."do they work" then I was like "ohhhhhhh". Short yet intense roller-coaster ride my friend. Love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted September 13, 2019 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Oooh, good idea John! It's in my sketch book ready for the shop. Funny how much stuff I make is adopted. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven NY Posted September 15, 2019 Share Posted September 15, 2019 Thank you for the inspiration John. I made this pair a few days after your post, I love your idea. They work great. Have a great night, W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted September 16, 2019 Author Share Posted September 16, 2019 On 9/14/2019 at 9:45 PM, Steven NY said: I made this pair a few days after your post, I love your idea. They work great Excellent! Glad they're working out for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor84 Posted February 11, 2020 Share Posted February 11, 2020 Well thank JHCC thank you for this and I really like that bottle opener. I will be making a set of these tongs soon I had been trying to think of a new tong for these openers, also I'm glad I have finally seen a set of reverse opening tongs. I've thought in the past that there has to be a use to this type of reverse opening now my mind can rest....... for a little bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasent Posted February 11, 2020 Share Posted February 11, 2020 Great idea sir. I’ve struggled with finding the right tongs for bottle openers as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlpservicesinc Posted February 11, 2020 Share Posted February 11, 2020 Nice work JHCC.. Your using your brain power wisely.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHCC Posted February 11, 2020 Author Share Posted February 11, 2020 First time for everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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