HAND TOOLS USED IN FORGING
1. Anvil: The anvil forms a good support for
Black smith’s work when hammering. These
Are made in different forms to provide the
Means for other forging operations. The usual
Form of anvil has a round hole called pitchel
Hole for bending rods and a square hole called
Hardie hole for holding square shanks of
Various tools such as swages, fullers, hardies,
Chisels.
2. Swage Block:
It has different sizes and shapes of slots like
Half round, square and rectangular along its four sides. This is
Used as a support in punching holes and forming different
Shapes.
3. Tongs:
These are used to hold the job in position and turning
Over during forging. The commonly used tongs are
(a)Closed Mouth: This is used for holding thin sections.
(b) Open Mouth: This is suitable for holding heavier stock,
© Round Hollow Tong : This is used for holding round,
Hexagonal, and octagonal shapes.
(d) Square Tong: This is used for holding square work.
4. Hammers:
5. These are two kinds. A) The Sledge hammers are used for heavy blows
weighs
From 4 kg to 10 kg.
b) Hand hammer are used for light blows
Horn: The horn is the front most part of the anvil, which forms a curve or a
point. Blacksmiths use the more cylindrical part of the horn to shape curves
into their pieces. Some anvils come with multiple horns in different shapes or
sizes for more precise curves.
Step: The step is a flat ledge that sits just past the horn at the front of the
block. The step is an ideal space for performing cuts and trimming excess
material off a piece of metal. Blacksmiths often use the step or the sides of
the anvil for cutting.
Face: the face of the anvil is the large, flat slab that covers most of the area
on top. The face is where blacksmiths do the most hammering for flattening
materials and other purposes.
Hardy hole: This is a square hole in the anvil that allows blacksmiths to hold
and secure tools in place while working. Smiths also use the hardy hole to
create bends in smaller pieces or to assist in hole punching.
Pritchel hole: The pritchel hole is a smaller, round hole that is ideal for hole
punching. One can also use it to hold tools and materials, which makes it
similar to the hardy hole.
Chisels: These are used for cutting metals and for necking prior to breaking.
They may be hot
Or cold depending on whether the metal to be cut is hot or cold.
The hot chisel is used for cutting the metal when hot and its edge is at an
angle of 30o.
The cold chisel is used to cut cold materials.
6. Swages: Swages are used for reducing and finishing the
Round, square, and hexagonal shapes. A set of swages are
Designed for round shapes and square shapes
7. Fullers: These are used in pair for necking
Down a piece of work. The bottom fuller has
Square shank to fit in the hardie hole and top
One is provided with handle.
8. Flatters: These are used to obtain smooth and finished flat surfaces
Which have already been shaped by fullers and swages.
9. Set Hammers: It is really a form of flatter. A
Set hammer is used for finishing corners in
Shouldered work where the flatter would be
Inconvenient to use
10.Punches: A punch is used for making
Holes in metal parts when it is at forging heat
