Blacksmithing is a diverse field. From basic fire pokers to complex ram’s heads, you’ll be forging nearly EVERYTHING. Get familiar with the basic blacksmith tools list.
You only require a couple of essential tools to proceed with blacksmithing, but as you move forward in your career, you’ll need specialized tools for each job.
The beauty of this profession is that you can forge your own tools. Need a pair of tongs to hold a specific metal stock? Just forge a new one.
The majority of traditional blacksmiths stick to the elemental forge, anvil, tongs, and hammer, but artistic blacksmithing requires complicated tools for specific jobs.
Here is a list of 100 blacksmithing tools blacksmiths may use throughout their careers:
Forge
Forge is one of the basic blacksmith tools. There is no blacksmith without a forge. Even beginner blacksmiths need forge before they can practice on their own.
Working with metal is only possible when it is at reasonably high temperatures. Forging stainless steel requires temperatures as high as 2000 °F.
Forge is a specialized hearth to heat metal stock to forging/welding temperatures. It has two other categories; coal forges and gas forges.
Bellows or electric fans works with it for an extra supply of air. Some forges also work on the venturi principle.
Blacksmithing without a forge is simply not possible! You cannot work on a metal to make materials until you heat it to a suitable temperature.
Gas Forge
Gas forge is considerably one of the most common forge tools and one of the basic option on the blacksmith tools list. It is a clean and efficient source of heat for metals and other materials. Gas forge is a modern innovation and upgrade of the traditional coal forge.
Coal is messy, and the majority of the people can’t bear the toxic fumes it gives out. The majority of the gas forges work on the venturi principle, which doesn’t require additional bellows of air supply.
Propane gas forges are the most common ones out there. Most of them have vertically mounted burners for even heating. It is convenient and easy to use.
Coal Forge
Traditional blacksmiths still prefer using coal forges. If you love to play around with coal and can keep up with coal dust, coal forge can be the perfect fit.
Coal forge will offer you efficient heat for your projects. This forge is easier to use and relatively cheaper than the gas forge.
Clinker formation may be a turn-off, but high temperatures and better heat retention can speed up the forging process.
Bellows and Air Valves
Bellows and air valves are both essential blacksmith tools. They are useful alongside the forge to supply the needed air and oxygen to aid burning.
Hotter fires require more oxygen, and additional air supply is needed for that. Bellows and Air valves help in that regard.
They are generally attached to a forge and are automated, or hand-cranked. You can easily manipulate them for an ideal fire that is suitable for your workpiece.
It’s more of a forced-air supply source as relying on natural wind is going to waste tons of fuel without any fruitful results.
Electric Blowers
If you love to keep your tools automated, an electric blower can keep the forging process hassle-free. Yes, you can even use your wife’s hair dryer to bring in some extra air. It is one of the omnipresent on professional blacksmith tools list.
Electric blowers are an automated method of supplying oxygen or air to your forge. It is one of blacksmiths equipment that complements the functionality of the forge.
It is more efficient and relatively easier to use than the traditional blowers and air valves. But, electric blowers are also more expensive than the traditional air suppliers.
There are tons of options available, just choose one and attach it to the tuyere. As you’ll be dealing with electrical equipment, make sure the blower is well off from the sweltering heat of the forge.
Refractory Bricks
Refractory bricks play essential roles in the blacksmithing processes. A refractory brick is placed under the workpiece when it’s being heated in a forge. It is made of refractory ceramic material to withstand temperatures as high as 2,500 °F.
It is also an essential part of the forge that aids heat management. Refractory bricks can withstand an extremely high temperature.
More than one brick can be used to line the hearth. The number of bricks to use usually depends on the size of the forge and project. They help in retaining heat by providing improved heat reflection.
Insulation Blanket
Most of the gas forges come with ceramic wool insulation in the inside of the hearth. This insulation blanket keeps the body of the forge from overheating and also results in better heat retention.
Small propane/gas forges only have ceramic insulation as lining all sides with firebricks is not possible. Insulation blankets are crucial if you work with big forge for large projects.
Refractory Cement
Some manufacturers provide a bucket of refractory cement that is supposed to be applied to the insulation blanket.
It further improves the durability, allows higher temperatures, and protects the ceramic insulation against accident tool contacts. It’ll also protect you against toxic fumes and accidental burns.
If the manufacturer of your insulation blanket does not provide refractory cement, you can buy suitable ones in various blacksmithing shops.
Fuel Source
If you are a blacksmith that uses forge, you certainly need fuel to power your forge. The fuel source is required to keep the fire in the forge burning.
Fuel source might not be on the general list of blacksmithing tools for sale, but it is quite essential. A forge cannot operate without a fuel source.
Different types of forge have their ideal and suitable fuel. For instance, gas forge uses various types of gases and coal forge use charcoal or briquettes.
You can choose a fuel source by considering the factors like cost, residuals, and availability. Some examples of fuel sources are charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil.
Coal Rake
Coal forges require coal to be redistributed every now and then. Also, if new coal is added, a coal rake is used to drag it from the sides and into the hearth. This process will ensure proper and efficient heat spread.
It is just a long bar, mostly made of rebar. Just put it in the firepot and tend the fire into the forge. No rocket-science here. Coal rakes are part of the forge tools that are vital for retaining the fire in your forge.
Pyrometer
Pyrometer is another essential part of forging that might not make it to the common blacksmiths tools list. But its value is immense and immeasurable as you explore various blacksmithing processes.
Different techniques and materials require different temperatures. For instance, forging temperatures are quite different from welding temperatures. Likewise, the temperature for steel is not the same as bronze.
Therefore, you need a reliable way to read the temperature of your materials. One of the common ways experienced blacksmith use is judging the color change of materials. But this method might not be ideal for beginners and it is not precise and entirely accurate.
If you’re not good at judging temperature by looking at the changing colors, pyrometer can be of great help. It is a remote-sensing thermometer that works by detecting the IR energy being released by the hot work piece.
And the best part, it doesn’t require surface contact with the metal sock. Before buying this device, make sure it can handle higher temperatures as the majority of them can only measure lower temperatures.
Thermocouple
As mentioned earlier, pyrometers cannot handle high temperatures. The crazy part about using a thermocouple is that it can be put inside the forge. Therefore, it offers a reliable way of measuring high temperature, including forge temperature.
And if you want real-time temperature measurements, you can attach a PID-controller. Generally, a K-type thermocouple (Nickel-Chromium / Nickel-Alumel) is used as it can read temperatures up to 2300 °F.
This blacksmith tool might be less common, but it offers great value. It is easy to operate and makes temperature gauge entirely hassle-free.
Anvil
Anvil is a large, heavy piece of metal that has a flat work area with a firm bottom. It is one of those smithing tools blacksmiths cannot do without. The flat surface helps in providing enough space to draw stocks easily.
It is one first set of tools beginner blacksmiths must learn to use. And it is one of the basic blacksmithing tools you can improvise.
Anything with a flat surface can work as an anvil, but it should be kept in mind that whatever you go for should be robust enough to bear intensive hammering. Likewise, it should be able to handle the extreme temperature of metals.
Most of the anvils come with horns, a pritchel hole, and a Hardie hole for attaching additional tools. Square anvils, swage block, and horned anvils are some common anvils (you won’t enjoy these features if you are improvising your anvils).
If you cannot afford a new one, you get a fairly used one from those that sell used blacksmith tools. As you improve in your blacksmithing skills, you can make one for yourself.
Tongs
Tongs are part of the most common blacksmithing tools for sale. You can work without having a specialized forge or anvil, but forging requires moving the hot metal stock in and out of the scorching heat.
Tongs help in gripping the workpiece without worrying about your hands being burned. They look a lot similar to scissors and are categorized on the shape of the jaws.
Bolt jaw tongs, flat jaw tongs, and bow tongs are some common types, but you can forge any kind of jaw you desire. Handling tongs is not usually complicated even for beginners.
Wolf Jaw Tongs
If you’re a novice, flat jaw tongs might not work for you. Wolf jaw tongs come with several ridges that can accommodate different shapes of metal stocks. Hence, it is one of the best tong types usually recommended for beginners.
Being universal tongs, they can handle round or even square-shaped stocks. Additionally, they provide a good grip and are easy on your hands. So, you can easily handle it even with your gloves on.
Tong Clips
Squeezing tongs all day long can tire your hands. So, tong clips is a good one on your blacksmith tools list. A tong clip holds both the arms together and firmly grips the stock without any external efforts.
You can easily carry it around, manipulate the stock, or even hammer it on an anvil. These clips come in a variety of shapes. C-hook is the most commonly used tong clip.
Some of them even come with steps to accommodate any stock size.
Hot Cut Hardie (Chisel)
Remember the Hardie hole in the Anvil? This is where hot cut Hardie is fixed. As evident from the name, they are used to cut hot metal bars; hence, it is safe to say a chisel is a hardy tool.
The process is simple; you heat the bar, fix the tool in the Hardie hole, and cut the bar stock to your convenience. Hot cut Hardie is thinner and longer compared to a cold metal chisel.
But as a professional blacksmith, it is essential to have the two because you will need them for your projects
Cold Cut Hardie (Chisel)
The above Hardie tool is only suitable for hot bar stocks due to its thin shape. The cold cut Hardie works wonders for cold stocks. These are short and thick with a tempered build.
Cold cutting is a lot more complicated and this is why this tool comes with a more obtuse angle. Remember that working on cold stocks is more complicated compared to working on heated stocks. Therefore, a cold cut hardie requires serious considerations.
Punches
You’ve probably used a paper punch for making holes. Well, this one is used for making holes of any shape in hot metal.
They are quite handy, and one of the essentials as a lot of blacksmithing projects requires holes of some type. They are long enough to keep you away from the hot metal but precise enough to help you make accurate holes.
Drift
If you require larger holes, you’ll have to use a drift. Being manufactured from carbon-tool steel, they can go through any stubborn metal.
Drifts are similar to punches but the former is useful for more complicated tasks. Sometimes, it is also essential to complement the work of punches.
A punch is used to make an initial hole, and the drift makes that hole larger and more precise. From round to square, drifts come in all shapes and sizes.
Hardie Bick
Hardie Bick is a blacksmithing equipment that contributes to the shaping of metals.
The horn on an anvil is used for bending bar stocks or hammering curved metal pieces. A Hardie Bick is similar to the horn but considerably smaller and fits in the Hardie hole of the anvil.
You can use a vertical Bick, or an L shaped one depending upon the application. They are quite handy when working with workpieces that require bends and curves.
Bending Fork
If working with a single vertical Bick seems challenging, this bending fork comes with a design similar to that of a tuning fork. It offers great value when it comes to bending and shaping of materials.
All bending forks have 2+ vertical poles with a thickness comparable to that of the workpiece. It can be made to fit in the Hardie hole for a strong base.
The vertical poles help in keeping the stock bar steady during the hammering process. You can quickly get the desired bends.
Vise
If you don’t have a Hardie hole in your anvil, you can use a post vise to keep your stock fixed while it’s bent or twisted. The vise will help you to hold your materials in position for various processes.
The vise must be sturdy enough to keep up with intensive hammering. Also, the jaws should be smooth as sharp edges can leave nasty scars on your work piece.
Vises usually have two jaws that hold materials. One jaw of the vise is usually fixed while the other one is moveable. You have to tighten the moveable one to ensure proper grip on the material you are going to work on.
A vise is one of the essentials on the blacksmithing tool lists for beginners. If you cannot afford a new one, you can buy from those that sell fairly used blacksmith equipment.
Post Vise
Not all vises are suitable for blacksmithing. Post vises are impeccable for forging massive metal stocks. A post that runs beneath the vise provides the necessary support during rigorous hammering sessions.
The height should be of your waist length as ergonomics plays an integral part in the overall efficiency of forging. You can use a machinist vise for smaller applications but post vises are for massive tasks.
Fuller
Fuller is another Hardie tool. It might not be high up in the basic blacksmithing tools list but it is crucial for most processes.
This one will help you spread out the metal stock quickly. Usually, it comes in a pair, the upper fuller, and the lower fuller.
The lower fuller goes into the Hardie hole on the anvil, and the upper fuller is struck with a hammer. If you’re just working with the lower one, you’ll have to hit the stock itself.
Bottom Fuller Hardie
This tool consists of a shank, and a round-shaped head fitted over it. The bottom fuller Hardie is flexible because it can be used to make different rounded forms.
It is necessary to make sure that the ridged surface is leveled after using this tool. You can use this to stretch steel easily.
Top Fuller
It serves the same purpose as the tool mentioned above. Top Fuller can be used to groove or stretch the metal when it is hot. The main difference between them is the use of handles in Top Fuller instead of the shank.
You just have to bang the top of the fuller. This tool comes in different shapes and sizes.
Cheese Fuller
This Fuller is also used in stretching the metal. Apart from spreading metal, it is also used for bending purposes.
As the name suggests, it has a cheese-shaped fuller head, which helps in spreading metal. Additionally, this shape makes the grooving process easy.
Hardie Swage
Hardie Swage also comes in a pair of the upper and lower swages. There is a cavity between the top and bottom pieces where the hot stock is placed.
The cavity can be circular, spherical, or even rectangular. It helps in shaping an irregular stock to the desired shape and dimensions. All you have to do is to hammer the top savage.
Swan Neck Hardie
Swan Neck Hardie is primarily used in the process of scrolling. Scrolling involves the bending of metal to fabricate ornaments from wrought iron or steel.
These tools are handy, and you can bend the metal easily. As the name suggests, they are similar to the shape of a swan’s neck. The curvy structure makes it easier to scroll. So, adding it it to your blacksmith tools list is a good idea.
Rivet Bucking Hardy (Rivet Header)
Rivet Header is a simple piece of metal having a cylindrical shape. It is useful in joining two bars together or forge tools like tongs etc. It complements the work of other blacksmith tools.
The rivet header should have a depression that matches the head of the rivet. You can have the “heads” of different shapes like dome, conical, or pyramid.
Cone Hardie
As the name suggests, these tools are cone-shaped and are made up of steel. Mandrel helps in forming metal into conical rings.
They help in transforming metal sheets into ring-shaped objects. An example could be of rings that are useful for animals.
Dog Bone Swage Hardie
This swage is made up of iron and used by many blacksmiths to fabricate different ornaments.
Are you interested in forming rose petals? Or making candle cups? Ladle ends or turning leaves, maybe? This tool is perfect for you.
Rose Petal Swage
A swage is a tool that involves the shaping of metal using hammering. Rose Petal Swages are primarily utilized for forging Rose Petals. Creating a rose petal is a creative and artistic project.
If you are working on a complex project which consists of making Rose petals or any other similar craft, then this tool is best for you.
Hardie Butcher Tool
Hardie Butcher Tool is not that much hard and sharp as the name suggests. Forming shoulders is its primary purpose, and it is not used for cutting objects.
It has another name, which is “Bottom Butchers,” because they are put below the stock, unlike Top Butchers. There aren’t any standard edge angles that should be considered before buying this tool. Their edges can be straight or concave.
Nail Header
Blacksmith nail header is one of the basic blacksmithing tools for forging. It consists of a steel or iron rod having a dome at its one end.
This dome has a hole in it. The hole is a bit larger on the bottom than it is on the top as it will save you from the problem that arises when the nail is stuck there.
Then the head is leveled down. This tool will help you in making nails or bolts. The size of the tool depends on the size of the nail you want to make.
Bolt Header
As the name suggests, this tool will help you in creating heads for bolts. It should be on your blacksmith tools list as long as you are working on bolts. The bolt header size depends on the head of the bolt you are aiming to make. Usually, bolts have a square-shaped head, but they have a range of varieties from round to hexagonal.
Crucible
A crucible is just a pot made up of ceramic. Crucibles are made so that metals can melt in it.
Since metals melt at very high temperatures, these pots are specially made to resist high temperatures. You can make your own crucibles with different materials like graphite and silicon.
Flux
You rarely find flux among blacksmith tools’ names but it is an essential material. It is useful during welding.
During the welding process in forging, oxidation occurs. Unnecessary contaminants should be removed after the welding process.
Flux is a type of mixture that helps in reducing the temperature during welding and eases the process. Borax can be used in its preparation.
Borax
If you still love good old forge welds, borax can help you obtain strong welds by avoiding oxidization. Borax is a type of forge and it is arguably the most common and efficient type.
Borax is a laundry detergent and is available in every household. But the value it offers is greater than just ordinary detergent.
Files
Files are effortless to use, and it is fun to use them. it is a great addition They are made up of hard steel and are used to level down the surface of the metal and shape them for aesthetics.
Their surfaces are sharp enough to cut down steel. If you want to make your steel object look clean and flawless, use this tool. You will easily find file among the common blacksmithing equipment for sale.
Snarling Iron
Snarling iron is a long Z-shaped rod that is made of steel with an excellent tensile strength. This tensile strength influences the functionality of snarling iron.
If you are a metalworker, then you should use this tool to reach into containers or tins for various purposes, including repairing and maintenance.
Veiners
Leaves are fabricated by blacksmiths as decoration pieces in various shapes and sizes. It is one of the artistic skills blacksmiths exhibit.
If you want to make leaf designs, you have to cut down the steel, shape it into the form of leaves, and cut the extra material. Veins are a part of a leaf.
Veiner is a tool specifically used for designing these veins. The veins is one of the artistic details of leaves design and it complements the shape.
Spring Swage
They are a set of tools used in the forging process to work in an even method. It consists of a swage having a top and bottom steel dies. Both of these dies work sidewise and make the process easier for you. They are also used for the notching process.
Bolster Plates
Bolster plates have holes of different diameters drilled into them. You can add it to your blacksmith tools list for drilling various hole sizes. If you work with bolt heads, or you frequently find yourself forming shoulders at the change of section on bar stocks, this tool is a must-have.
The holes can be round or even square for making countersunk-headed bolts. The hole size in the bolster plate will determine the size of the bolt and its shape. It also has a major influence on the size of the bolt’s head.
The Traveler Wheelwright
It is an essential device that was used by many wheelwrights to measure the circumference of a wheel made up of wood.
This tool measures with accuracy. It is rolled along the rim of that wheel; measurements are taken, then these measurements are used in forming a similar tire.
Halfpenny (Snub) End Scroll Hardie Tool
A handy Hardie tool for making penny or snub end scrolls. It comes with a square-shaped anchor that goes in the anvil, and the other side has a semi-cylindrical depression.
They are generally made of mild steel for improved durability. The concave (semi-cylindrical) portion is used for forming the tip of a scroll. The bar stock is hammered until it matches the curvature.
Hold-Down Tool
Throughout your blacksmithing career, you’ll come across stocks of weird shapes and sizes. Working alone with them on an anvil is difficult. In such cases, you have to hold down the stock for easy operation.
A hold-down tool has a straightforward job; to keep the stock steady when it’s being hammered. The anchor goes either in the Hardie or pritchel hole, and the top holdfast keeps the stock locked in its place.
Mushroom Hardie
The top of this Hardie tool is dome-shaped and perfect for forging bowl-shaped objects. If you forge bowls, spoons, or anything with a circular depression, this handy tool can easily planish them.
All you have to do is to place the workpiece on the hemi-spherical top and hammer it till all the surface irregularities are done with.
Blacksmithing Hand Hammers
Blacksmiths cannot carry out proper forging without an hammer. So, it is an essential addition to your blacksmith tools list.
Are you looking for a perfect hammer for forging? It depends on your capability and preferences. But the weight of a hammer ideally should be somewhere between 1.5 pounds to 3 pounds.
Hammer is one of the vital blacksmith tools almost every project requires. In fact, it is one of the recommended beginner blacksmith tools. You might not be able to shape or forge without a hammer.
Pein is a common word you might have heard of. It is the opposite side of the face. Before choosing the type of pein, you should know what kind of shape of the metal are you aiming for.
Cross Pein Hammer
You might be aware of this hammer. If you are a blacksmith, then you can use this hammer in forging and riveting. The surface of the cross pein hammer is used in different processes like striking chisels.
It can be used by carpenters and woodworkers as well. Cross Pein Hammer has many varieties across the world. You should use the best variety that suits your project and it should be comfortable for you.
German Square Faced Cross Pein Hammer
If you are looking out for some traditional hammers, you might be interested in having this one. They are handy and easy to make.
As the name suggests, they have a square shape. Movement of the metal gets better by using this hammer. It is suitable for varieties of projects and it is quite easy to use.
Swedish Cross Pein
Swedish Cross Pein is a modified version of simple cross pein hammer commonly used by blacksmiths. It is the most popular hammer and has a little curvy shape. It is comfortable to handle even for beginners.
Balancing makes it a perfect tool you can use in the forging process. Proper gripping is another thing that makes it better than the others. Swedish cross pein comes in a variety of sizes. It is best to use the size that best suit you.
French Cross Pein
They are the most unique looking hammers you can add to your toolbox. The main thing that differentiates it from the others is that it has a small indentation on the top of the cross pein that helps in going deep into some congested areas like a box lock.
These hammers have a tiny handle, which helps in better control. It can help you to deliver blows, especially for light hammering tasks.
Czech Hammer – AKA Hofi hammer
This hammer is anothr functional type that should be on your blacksmith tools list. also consists of a short handle similar to the hammer mentioned above. The hammer’s name indicates its origin. Czech hammer has a square-faced head used for striking.
This name is related to a famous blacksmith, Uri Hofi. Czech hammer was ergonomically designed by considering the motions of the body. If you are looking for something with excellent ergonomics, the Czech hammer is for you.
You can use it for varieties of applications including heavy duty tasks. It is a valuable addition to the tool box for both beginners and professional blacksmiths.
Ball Pein Hammer
The ball pein hammer is another common type of hammer you will find in the blacksmith shop. Although it’s not widely used for forging but is great for rivet work and for striking chisels and punches.
This hammer comes with a hemispherical pein and a flat surface on the opposite side. It is an exceptional tool for peening, rounding off sharp edges, and for perforating gasket material.
Clipping Hammer
Clipping hammer is slightly different from most other hammers. A clipping hammer comes with one end being conical and the other one flat. There are no sharp edges on this one, as is used for drawing clips.
If you regularly work with horseshoes, this hammer is a must. Not all blacksmiths prefer using a bob punch as it’s not that convenient. You can quickly form clips by using the conical side of the hammer.
Straight-Pein Hammer
As obvious from the name, this hammer has a straight wedge-shaped pein that is parallel with the shaft. They are widely used for shaping metal. It is also useful when you need to go hard during hammering.
The other end is flat and helps in drawing out metal. It can also help with riveting and starting nails.
Diagonal Pein Hammer
The overall build is pretty much the same as any other hammer, but here’s the catch, the pein on this one runs diagonally with respect to the shaft. This type will add value blacksmith tools list.
How is it different? The pein goes in comfortably and gives a clear view of where you’re working. With the other hammers, the line of sight might be blocked, and things could go sideways.
Chisel-Pein Hammer
This hammer comes with a pein similar to a Hardie cut tool. It serves the same purpose, splitting and cutting metal stocks/bars. Consequently, it offers you the functionality of a hammer and a chisel in one tool.
They might seem to be handy, but the majority of the traditional blacksmithing prefers using a Hardie tool. The Pein is comparatively sharp and wedge-shaped.
Japanese Blacksmithing Hammer
Japanese hammer is another common type of hammer. These hammers are relatively small and suitable for delicate work. It is often useful in the finishing process of most blacksmithing projects.
The handle is attached to the end of the billet, unlike other hammers where it’s in the center.
It is one of the basic Japanese Bladesmith tools for knife making. Also, the handle is comparably shorter. The weight-forward design helps in delivering focused blows on narrow work areas. Note that it might not be suitable for rigorous and heavy hammer blows.
Blocking Hammer
A blocking hammer comes with a protruding flat square head on one side and a cylindrical one on the other side. Owing to its greater surface area on the flat sides; it quickly draws out metal stocks.
It is suitable for delivering heavy hammer blows on metals. The cylindrical head allows powerful blows to shape a stock easily.
Planishing Hammer
As evident from the name, these hammers are used for planishing, aka flatten and smoothen metal by hammering. It is one of those tools that must be present in your tool box, especially if you work on fine commercial projects.
The hammer comes with a convex head, and a pein tipped with a cylindrical die. Only light blows must be delivered. Most of these hammers can also be used with dies for the same purpose.
Rounding Hammer
A large number of blacksmiths consider this a go-to hammer. It generally comes with one face being rounded, and the other one is flat. Consequently, it provides you with dual hammering functions during operations.
You can quickly draw out steel compared to a traditional flat-faced hammer. The round face distributes striking force evenly and increases the overall work efficiency. It is one of the most preferred hammer types among professional blacksmiths.
Sledgehammer
Sledgehammers are massive with precise use. If your workpiece doesn’t require precision or calculated blows, a sledgehammer can be quite handy. You might have a tough time handling this hammer if you are not familiar with other hammer types.
They are reasonably heavier and longer in size. The hammerhead is flat on either side and provides a large working area to distribute force evenly. If you work with large metal stocks, this should be your go-to hammer.
File Maker Hammer
These hammers used to be a thing back when files where hand forged. The handle on the one is very short, only 8 ½ inches. The hammerhead is somewhat strange, with one face being at a downward angle and the other parallel to the handle.
The hammer is supposed to strike a chisel to create files on an iron surface. As of now, it is often termed as an antique blacksmithing tool. It is one of the old blacksmith tools that will project the heritage of the trade in your works.
Power Hammer
Is it too difficult for you to use a traditional hammer? You can buy yourself an automated power hammer that uses compressed air to deliver massive blows. All other hammers discussed above are traditional hammers with manual operations.
Power hammer can quickly deliver hundreds of blows in a minute. And obviously, drawing metal with this will be a lot easier and faster. The working is similar to that of a hydraulic press.
Power hammer will certainly make things easier for you in various blacksmithing project. But it is more expensive than other traditional hammers. Also, its operation and use might require some technical skills.
Tilt Hammer (Trip Hammers)
These hammers have huge (100lbt to 200lb) hammerheads that are tilted at a fixed angle and attached to a revolving shaft. During each rotation, the hammer is dropped on the stock. It is an heavy duty addition blacksmith tools list.
They are not used by contemporary blacksmiths as the revolving shaft (mostly a waterwheel) requires access to a rivet or even manpower to lift the weighty hammer on each rotation.
Steam Hammers
Tilt hammers were not an efficient way of drawing metal. Steam-powered drop hammers were invented for improved efficiency. The working principle is a bit different as here the hammer is attached to a piston that operates in a fixed cylinder.
The hammer is lifted by the pressure of the steam injected in the cylinder and is allowed to fall under gravity. These hammers are rarely used now, but they can definitely speed up the forging process.
Flatter
The majority of the metal stocks (especially the ones from the scrapyard) are disfigured. To flatten them out, you can use a flatter. The build is simple, a flat square-shaped face on one side and a narrower flat peen on the other end.
Just place the flatter on the irregular surface and pound it with a heavy hammer (preferably a sledgehammer).
Set Hammer
A set hammer has a smaller flat surface compared to a flatter. It is safe to say this tool helps to perfect the work of other types of hammer.
It will help in flattening out your workpiece and especially in removing hammer marks. Also, it helps in obtaining clear-cut edges.
Apart from that, it can be used to set in shoulders. If you work on projects that require similar finishing, this tool is a must.
Monkey Tool
This is a soldering tool that can create a square tenon for something to sit on. Some blacksmiths use it for rose stems, but you can use it wherever you require a tenon.
The build is simple—a metal stock having a hole that is proportional to the tenon to be shouldered. The hot bar stock is fixed in a vise, and the monkey tool is hammered onto the tenon.
Yes, it’s that simple.
Anvil Devil
A simple triangular piece of heat-treated steel that you can use for cutting or for making V-shaped notches. The build is supposed to be robust as it has to bear some serious hammering.
Blacksmiths and farriers always have an anvil devil at their disposal. They can be placed on any flat surface that is strong enough or if you plan on using it on an anvil, one with a Hardie anchor should be preferred for improved stability.
Blacksmithing Floor/Hand/Hardie Mandrel
Working with the anvil horn can be frustrating as the radius is not constant. Mandrels come in a conical shape and are made of cast steel—the inside is hollow. The sizes range from a basic hand mandrel with a handle to a sizable 5ft floor mandrel.
It is best for forging circular objects like door knockers, nose rings, or wagon wheels. The smaller ones can help with rounding small rings.
Hand Chisel (Sets)
Chisels should be around the top of your blacksmith tools list. Hand chisel is a handy version of the traditional chisel. Hardie cut tools are only suitable for larger applications, especially when you want to split stock bars. For smaller applications, hand chisels are a perfect fit.
Some projects require small notches or cuts on their surface, and this tool can easily handle such jobs. They are hand-held chisels with a wooden handle. The shape can vary depending upon the application.
Hot Sets
Like hot cut Hardie, hot sets are supposed to be used with hot stocks. They are comparatively, longer and thinner. The cutting edge is sharpened but not heat treated.
You just have to place the hot set on a cherry red stock, make sure the alignment is right, and lastly, hammer it. It’s important to keep your hand steady as a slight movement can disfigure your workpiece.
Cold Sets
These are relatively thick and short. The billet is heat-treated to avoid blunting and is only suitable for cold cutting/splitting. The cutting edge is at an obtuse angle.
When you’re working with cold stocks, it’s crucial that any cutting or splitting operation should be performed on an anvil table, which is soft compared to the hardened anvil face.
The rest is simple. Only a couple of fracture lines, and you’re good to go.
Gouges
Gouges are mostly used for woodwork to carve out concave depressions in a larger sheet. Blacksmithing Gouges do the same but for metal stocks and it is a valuable addition to your blacksmith tools list.
The sides are curved (with a U-shaped cross-section). They are barely used in blacksmithing, but you never know when it might come in handy.
Reamers
Made a cut that is smaller in size? You can always bring out a reamer to enlarge previously cut holes. They also help with eliminating burs from prior cuttings.
Modern reamers come in a set of different sizes. The cutting edges are razor-sharp and highly efficient compared to hand-forges ones.
Quenching Bucket
A quenching bucket is essential for finishing most projects. This use makes it an essential consideration for blacksmith tools list. A quenching bucket holds liquid used to cool down hot metal stocks.
The primary reason for using this bucket is for hardening process. Quenching heated stocks in mineral oils helps to harden metals. The sudden change in temperature causes the internal molecules to come closer; hence, making it harder.
Other than that, the bucket should be strong enough to bear high temperatures, be large enough to accommodate your workpiece, and lastly, the depth should be enough for you to avoid flare-ups on quenching.
The quenching medium can be water, brine, or even motor oil. For better results, it should be chosen per the type of stock being quenched.
An unconventional use of quenching bucket is to put out fire in case of an outbreak. Although it cannot take the place of a fire extinguisher, it can only offer a complementing effort.
Chisel Plate (Cutting Plate)
When you’re working with chisels, you don’t want to scrape your anvil or the table you’re working on. Why? As for anvils, the surface is hardened, and the same goes for a chisel.
So, a soft plate is kept under the work piece to protect the anvil and the chisel from being damaged. The chisel palate is just a plain metal sheet that is long enough to accommodate the work piece.
Even if the chisel goes through the metal piece with a single blow, you won’t have to worry about spoiling the hardened surface.
Die (For Threading)
Are you planning on forging screws? You’ll need a thread die to form threads on it. Even for large rods or bars, thread dies can serve the purpose.
The die is supposed to be placed on the rod/bar and is rotated till a male thread is formed on it.
Screw Tap
This is the opposite of a thread dying. A screw tap is used to form a female thread. In simple words, this is where a threaded screw is placed.
The tap is put inside the hole and is rotated to cut the internal surface area and form the female thread. Make sure you clean the hole after every few turns as the metal scraps are going to fall inside the cavity.
Scroll Wrenches
The build is similar to that of a bending fork Hardie tool, but this one comes with a handle. The scroll is put between the two prongs, and pressure is applied to bend it.
This is typically used with a bottom turning fork, aka bending fork Hardie tool. The size and weight are proportional to the bending power required.
Bar Stock
Forging is all about turning a raw plain bar stock into something useful. Bar stock is basically a piece of metal you start with. The size and shape do not matter, but choosing one with dimensions close to the end product might save some time.
The material depends on what you’re forging. For example, high carbon steel (1095 or 1084) is perfect for forging a Damascus blade, but it might not work for other projects.
Guillotine Fullers
The build is similar to the top/bottom fuller pair, but here both the components are connected. They can either be surface mounted on the anvil or be anchored in the Hardie hole.
If your workpiece requires accurate square or round shaped tenons, or fuller shoulder and groves, the interconnected mechanism will allow you to work efficiently. So, it is safe to say adding this tool to your blacksmith tools list will boost efficiency.
Wire/Block Brush
A Wire Brush is used to remove contaminants which are unnecessary from the surface of the metal object you are creating. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking it because it should be a part of your blacksmith tools list.
Heating metal stocks can cause oxidation, which results in pesky scales that make your workpiece look ugly. Wire brushes are okay, but they cannot remove scales efficiently.
Block brushes remove even the most stubborn scales and oxides and can also smoothen surface irregularities and dents. This process is to be carried out only when the stock is hot enough.
Shear Cutter
Before you start hitting on the hot iron or steel, you have to cut down the metal according to your needs. For cutting purposes, you need a shear cutter.
A shear cutter is commonly used by metalworkers to cut down sheets of steel. There are many types of shear cutters, depending on the thickness of the stock you are planning to cut.
They can either be hand-held or electric powered. The former can only cut thin metal sheets as the thicker ones require something aggressive, an electric-powered shear.
Tool Stand
If you want your work to be neat and appealing, you first have to organize the workshop itself. Why is it important? You don’t want to run around in the shop with stocks as hot as 2,300 °F. So, tool stand has a worthy place on your blacksmith tools list.
A tool stand helps in keeping your essential tools organized and accessible. The stand should be strong enough to bear the weight of heavy blacksmith tools.
Marking Tool
It may seem a no-brainer, but having some marking tools close-by can increase accuracy and precision in your workpieces. Measurement is one of the core processes of the blacksmithing trade.
A marking tool is essential for keeping track of measurements for accuracy. These marking tools can be anything from plain old chalk to a small metal piece for scraping the surface. Angle blocks, straight edge, or even, sine bars can be used for marking.
The basic thing here is that the tool must be able to make marks on metal that will be visible when you need to use it.
Angle Grinder
Contemporary blacksmithing is all about precision. An angle grinder is an electric-powered tool for grinding surfaces, cutting stocks, and cleaning surfaces. It is one of the items on blacksmith tools list that uses electric power.
Grinding is an essential finishing process. If your workpiece requires sharp edges, or the surface needs to be cleaned, an angle grinder can easily do the job.
The grinder disc rotates at a high RPM and it is powered by electricity, so it’s important to operate it with extra care.
Hacksaw
Have you heard about or seen a hacksaw and you thought they were only used for cutting wood? You might be missing something. A hacksaw comes with a sharp-toothed blade that can cut wood, metal, and plastic.
It can be a substitute for a Hardie cut tool, but it won’t work with bigger stocks. Hacksaw can offer you an alternative in the absence of hardie cutting tool. But it is essential to note that it is not a perfect replacement for cutters.
Welding Equipment
Welding is a basic blacksmithing process. It involves the joining to two different metals by heating them to a high temperature and hammering them together. It is one of the most effective joining techniques in blacksmithing.
Having welding equipment is much easier and faster than traditional forge welding. You can get a cheap one from the local hardware store. It is one of the common blacksmithing equipment for sale, so it should not be difficult to get.
They come in different types—arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and tungsten arc welding are some of the variants.
Buffers/Finishes
Buffers and finishes provide that one last touch to a successful metal craft. They offer the necessary shine and glossy look to make the workpiece more attractive.
Finishing can either make or mar your crafting project. It determines the final outlook of your projects and its attractiveness.
Beeswax, linseed oil, and black oxide are some of the most popular and readily available finishes. The suitable finish for your projects varies. It largely depends on the type of project and the material used.
Safety Glasses
Safety is one of the cores of the blacksmithing trade. Most processes in the blacksmithing shop are potentially hazardous. Thus, it is essential to protect yourself.
Your eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of your body while working in the blacksmithing shop. Working with anvil, hammers, grinders, and files can be really dangerous if proper eye protection is not worn.
A tiny spec of metal can blind you. Safety glasses help to protect the eyes without affecting vision. It is usually a clear glass that is thick enough to prevent materials from getting to your eyes. Also, it is transparent enough to aid vision.
Safety glasses are neither expensive nor difficult to get. So, the next time you start working; don’t forget to wear safety goggles.
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is similar to the use of safety glasses. It is one of the items on your blacksmith tools list that enhance safety. The major difference is that safety glasses protect the eyes while hearing protection protects the ear.
Intensive hammering, the clangs of metal, and noisy gas forges can impair your hearing ability with time. So, having a pair of earplugs in your workshop is essential.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you are not affected by the loud noise that accompanies most blacksmithing process. The hazard associated with loud noise is instant.
Continuous exposure to loud noise can impair your hearing ability over time. Prevention is better than cure!
Gloves
Glove is another essential protective material in blacksmithing. Your palms are in constant danger of exposure to hot metals. Besides, consistent handling of metals, hammering, and other similar processes can damage you palm.
Wearing good quality gloves can keep you from burning your hands. A textured glove pair can also provide some extra grip for holding tongs and hammers.
Gloves are not expensive and they don’t complicate your working process. So, make sure you have your gloves each time you work in the blacksmith shop.
Pro Tip: Don’t even use synthetic gloves as they can melt on your skin and cause nasty burns.
Shoes
Blacksmithing shoes is not usually the same as your regular fashion shoes. They are heavy duty protective boots that protects your leg and fee.
Working with heavy machinery and weighty tools with barefoot is a bad idea. Exposed feet can come in contact with hot coal or sharp specs of metal. Safety or protective tools will protect your feet in case of accidental spill or fall of heavy metals.
Make sure you’re wearing closed-toe shoes to keep your feet shielded. An open toe shoe might do more harm than good.
Respirator
Forging involves lots of coal dust, smoke, and even toxic fumes. Do you know heating galvanized steel can emit carbon monoxide? Now that you know, it is vital to find a lasting way to protect yourself.
Apart from proper ventilation, having a respirator can keep you from breathing these deadly gasses. The effect of inhaling dangerous fumes can be short or long term. But it will certainly leave a damaging effect on your respiratory system.
So, it is safe to protect yourself even though you are yet to feel the effect of these toxic gasses.
Apron
Apron is another protective gear for blacksmiths. Wearing a leather apron can give your body and clothes an extra layer of protection. Tools might break, or sometimes sharp metal pieces can slip from under the hammer.
Having an apron can save you from such incidents.
Conclusion
Phew, that was a long list. But did you notice that each and every tool somehow facilitates in creating artistic blacksmithing projects?
Not every tool is required for doing a project, but you never know when one might come in handy. So, it is best to have a long blacksmith tools list.
And guess what, you can forge specialized tools yourself. No need to visit the blacksmith supply store every time you need something new. And there are a whole lot more tools available in the market but buying them might just be useless.
So, what were you planning to make? An intricate scroll or an odd-shaped axe? With all these tools explained comprehensively, you have everything to make your first metal craft.