Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced blacksmith, a pair of blacksmith tongs is one of your indispensable tools.
There are different styles of blacksmith tongs available. This blacksmith tong guide will help you to choose the right ones to get started as a beginner.
So if you’re interested, keep reading, and you’ll find the best tongs for beginner blacksmiths.
Best Blacksmith Tongs for Knife Making – [My Top Picks]
- Best Bolt Jaw: Caliburn Bolt Jaw
- Also Great Bolt Jaw: BetterForge Bolt Jaw
- Best Wolf Jaw: Picard Wolf Jaw
- Best Large Wolf Jaw: Caliburn Wolf Jaw
- Best for Beginners: BetterForge Starter Kit
- Best for Knife Making: BetterForge Z-Type Bolt Jaw
- Best DIY Kit: Ken’s Custom Iron Kit
- Best Small V-Bit: Caliburn V-Bit
- Best Flat Jaw: Picard 4700-300
- Best Pin Tongs: Picard 4930-300
Best All-Purpose Blacksmith Tongs – [Top Picks of 2023]
Here are the top 10 blacksmithing tongs you need to know about.
1. Caliburn V-Bit Bolt Jaw Blacksmith Tongs – Best Bolt Jaw Tongs
Key Points:
- Great for square and round stocks.
- Tough and Reliable.
- Made in the USA.
- Can’t hold all kinds of stocks.
If you’re looking for a pair of versatile bolt jaw blacksmith tongs, look no further than these Caliburn V-Bit tongs. The overall length of these tongs is 18 inches, which is the ideal length for blacksmithing and bladesmithing works.
These heavy-duty forged steel tongs will provide you with a slip-resistant grip on various kinds of stocks. As a result, you will achieve better control over the stocks, which allows you to work more efficiently.
With all these features, we believe these are the best bolt jaw tongs for blacksmithing projects. These USA made bolt jaw tongs won’t disappoint you.
2. Picard Wolf’s Jaw Blacksmith Tongs – Best Wolf Jaw Tongs
Key Points:
- Versatile tongs.
- Forged constructed.
- Durable riveted jaws.
- Can hold only up to 1-inch stocks.
Are you looking for a set of excellent wolf jaw blacksmith tongs? Check this pair of Picard wolf jaw tongs which are appropriate for various blacksmithing works. You’ll be able to grab round stocks with these tongs securely.
The overall length is 16 inches. If you prefer mid-sized tongs, then this can be your perfect choice. Heavy-duty forged construction made these tongs durable and reliable.
These tongs from Picard are German made. We believe this pair of blacksmith tongs is the best wolf jaw tongs on our list.
3. BetterForge Starter Kit – Best Beginner Blacksmith Tongs Set
Key Points:
- Excellent for beginners.
- Great value for money.
- Durable tongs.
- No flat jaw tongs.
Beginner blacksmiths need at least two types of blacksmith tongs: wolf jaw and v-bit tongs. This BetterForge starter kit offers exactly what a beginner blacksmith needs.
This kit includes a pair of wolf jaw tongs, and v-bit (bolt jaw) tongs. The 18 inches V-bit tongs and 16 inches wolf jaw tongs allow you to handle most of the standard stocks.
Both of the tongs are well made and durable. This is undoubtedly the best beginner blacksmith tongs set for the bang for your bucks.
4. BetterForge Z-Type Offset Tongs – Best Tongs for Knifemaking
Key Points:
- Excellent for knife making.
- USA made.
- Sturdy and reliable.
- Can’t securely hold stocks above 1-1/2 inches.
Knifemaking projects are very common in the blacksmithing community. If you’re looking for the best tongs for knifemaking / bladesmithing, this pair of BetterForge Z-Type Offset tongs is the right option for you.
These V-bit tongs are excellent for grabbing all kinds of blades with a firm grip. They are very versatile which allow you to hold flat, square or round stocks as well.
Forged steel construction makes them durable and reliable. They come with an overall length of 17 inches, which is an optimal length for bladesmithing projects.
5. Ken’s Custom Iron Rapid Tongs Bundle Set – DIY Blacksmith Tongs
Key Points:
- Five types of DIY blacksmith tongs kit.
- Cover all kinds of stocks.
- Excellent value for money.
- Made in the USA.
- Tongs require assembly.
Are you looking for DIY blacksmith tongs? Then check out this Ken’s Custom Iron rapid tongs bundle set. This bundle includes each set of bolt jaw tongs, flat jaw tongs, slot jaw tongs, v-bit tongs and scroll tongs.
All these tongs are made of mild steel which allows you to modify them while needed. The rivets come with each set of tongs, and you can easily make them work with the help of the assembly instruction provided by Ken’s Custom Iron.
It’s a great bundle of blacksmith tongs. If you have access to the tools to make holes in the jaw boss and rivet them, this is certainly an excellent option for you.
6. Caliburn Small V-Bit Blacksmith Tongs
Key Points:
- Well built.
- Excellent for small stocks.
- USA based supplier.
- A little bit pricey regarding the stock capacity.
This pair of small v-bit blacksmith tongs is the newest addition to the lineup by Caliburn. The tongs come with an overall length of 14.5 inches which is the smaller version of their 18 inches tongs.
They make forged constructed tongs, and this pair is no exception. As a result, you can use them over and over without any concerns.
You can firmly hold relatively smaller round and square stocks with these Caliburn small v-bit blacksmith tongs. So if your stocks are smaller than 1 inch, you can rely on this pair of tongs.
7. Caliburn Large Blacksmith Wolf Jaw Tongs
Key Points:
- Excellent grip.
- Well balanced.
- Well built.
- Can’t hold all kinds of stocks.
If you’re looking for an extended set of wolf jaw tongs, the Caliburn large blacksmith wolf jaw tongs are worth checking. They offer a secure grip and enhanced control over the stocks.
The balance between length and weight is excellent. Being 18 inches long, they are only 2 lbs in weight. You can use these well made multi-purpose tongs for blacksmithing, bladesmithing projects.
8. BetterForge Bolt Jaw Tongs for Blacksmiths
Key Points:
- Forged steel construction.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Great grip.
- Jaws are a little smaller.
Bolt jaw tongs are extremely handy for bladesmiths and knifemakers. And this set of BetterForge bolt jaw tongs is no exception. If you’re a knifemaker looking for large v-bit tongs set, you should have a look at them.
The heavy-duty forged steel construction makes them sturdy. You can securely hold various kinds of stocks with them.
They are lightweight, so you can comfortably hold them for an extended time. If you want a pair of versatile blacksmith tongs for your projects, go ahead and check them out.
9. Picard 0004700-300 Blacksmith Flat Jaw Tongs
Key Points:
- It’s affordable.
- Excellent for flat stocks.
- Forged constructed.
- Durable.
- Can only hold flat stocks.
If you’re looking for an excellent set of flat jaw tongs, look no further than this pair of Picard flat jaw blacksmith tongs. They can firmly grab flat stocks with their flat bits.
The overall length is around 12 inches and weighs only 1.1 lbs which are lightweight and reasonably long for securely grabbing flat materials.
They are forged constructed and made of C35 steel. You can rely on this pair of tongs for all the flat stocks of your blacksmithing projects.
10. Picard 0004930-300 Blacksmith Pin Tongs
Key Points:
- Can hold different stocks.
- Well built.
- Excellent for beginners.
- The reins could be longer.
If you’re looking for pin tongs for your blacksmithing projects, you should go for this pair of Picard pin tongs. They are an excellent alternative of flat jaw tongs with the more grabbing capabilities.
Picard pin tongs are 12 inches long and weigh around 1.2 lbs. They can be convenient for grabbing flat, square and round tongs.
They are well built and durable. For a beginner blacksmith, this is an excellent option.
Blacksmith Tongs Types: How many are there?
Only a pair of tongs won’t cover all kinds of stocks in your projects. As a result, you require to have several types of blacksmith tongs. Here we will discuss the most versatile tongs to get started as a blacksmith.
1. V-Bit / Bolt Jaw Tongs
V-Bit tongs are one of the basic blacksmith tongs. The curved opening or hoop works as the passage of objects such as a bolt head. That’s why v-bit tong is also called as ‘bolt jaw tong.’
They can securely hold round, square, or any oddly shaped stocks with their round nose. If you’re into knifemaking or bladesmithing, a pair of v-bit tongs will serve you the best.
2. Wolf Jaw Tongs
Wolf jaw tongs can grab all varieties of round stocks effortlessly. It can also hold square pieces.
As the name suggests, these tongs have multiple pairs of teeth in their jaws, which allow you to have a better grip on materials.
Besides, you will be able to hold stocks both horizontally and vertically with a pair of wolf jaw tongs.
3. Flat Jaw Tongs
The word ‘flat’ itself describes what a pair of flat jaw tongs can hold. Yes, you can use these tongs to hold flat stocks. The design is straightforward, and it’s one of the most commonly used blacksmithing tongs.
Flat stock tong, flat bar tong, or flat jaw tong, whatever you call them, are basically the same thing.
Flat jaw tong has another variation, which is called as “slotted jaw tong.” A slot jaw tong is essentially a flat jaw tong but slotted out in the middle of its jaw.
These tongs can also hold flat, round, and square stocks pretty well.
Pin tongs are another variation of flat jaw tongs. The jaws are flat, but they have a hollow area similar to bolt-jaw tongs. As a result, not only flat stocks, they can hold round and square materials as well.
If you’re interested to learn about other types of blacksmith tongs, check this article here.
Best Easy Blacksmithing Tongs – [Updated Buying Guide]
We highly recommend you to check our best blacksmith tongs buying guide below. Here we will discuss the factors you should look for when buying a pair of blacksmith tongs.
1. Tong Types
We discussed various types of blacksmith tongs in the previous section. As we said there is no , you’ll need multiple pieces of tongs for different stocks.
So I recommend you to get a pair of v-bit, wolf jaw, and flat jaw tongs.
As a beginner, these three pairs of tongs will let you hold, lift, and turn almost all kinds of stocks efficiently.
2. Tong Sizes and Holding Capacity
Blacksmith tongs are available in different sizes. The standard pieces range from 12″ to 18″ in length. The weight will increase along with its size. So make sure the size and weight are in a suitable spot.
The holding capacity of a pair of tongs depends on its bit size and weight. Bit size is responsible for the maximum thickness of stocks it can grab.
The substantial it is, the heavy it can hold. So pick tongs according to the dimensions of your materials.
3. Tong Material
Experts prefer mild steel as the material for blacksmith tongs. So, make sure the pair of tongs you’re choosing is made of mild steel.
It is non-hardened steel, which allows you to reshape your tongs into its original state. Tongs made of other materials would break while reshaping them frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are blacksmith tongs used for?
Blacksmith tongs allow you to hold and place metals into the forge, move hot metals from the forge to anvil and grip stocks securely while hammering. As a result, you can keep your hands away from fire and hot metals.
What tongs for beginner blacksmith?
Beginner blacksmiths can start with v-bit, wolf jaw, and flat jaw tongs. These are the basic blacksmith tongs.
What type of blacksmith tongs to use for round stock?
Both v-bit and wolf jaw blacksmith tongs can hold round stock very well. So you can use any of them.
What are wolf jaw tongs used for?
Wolf jaw tongs are one of the essential blacksmith tongs. With a pair of wolf jaw tongs, you can hold round stocks with an excellent grip.
How long should blacksmith tongs be?
The length of the blacksmith tongs varies with personal preference, size and weight of the stocks. Generally, the range can be 12 to 20 inches.
Which are the most versatile blacksmith tongs?
Bolt Jaw or V-bit and Wolf Jaw tongs are the most versatile tongs. Few other blacksmith tongs are also handy, such as Flat Jaw and Slot Jaw tongs.
How much does blacksmith tongs weigh?
The weight of blacksmith tongs depends on the weight of the stocks you intend to work with. The standard weight is between 1 to 2 lbs.
Final Words
I believe you’ve learned about the various types of blacksmithing tongs from this article. And, now you can choose the best blacksmith tongs according to your requirements.
Here’s a quick recap of our top list. Check this pair of Caliburn bolt jaw tongs for versatile uses. If you’re looking for a beginner kit, this BetterForge starter kit is an excellent choice.
This pair of BetterForge Z-type offset tongs are great for bladesmiths or knifemakers.
Metalworking Tools Guide You May Also Like