10 Best Blacksmith Tongs Reviewed in 2023 [Ultimate Guide]

Tongs are an integral part of blacksmithing works. That’s because blacksmiths work with fire. 

You may have been searching for quality tongs that can keep your arms safe while doing the job.

But there are hundreds, if not thousands, choices available in the market that can easily confuse you.

That’s the reason we have put our hands together to research, analyze, and pick the top 10 best blacksmith tongs for you.

Our 10 Best Blacksmith Tongs Picks:

Here is our list of the top 10 blacksmith tongs that you can use-

1. BetterForge Set of Blacksmith Tongs - Starter Kit

BetterForge blacksmith Starter Kit comprises two of the most popular and widely used tongs. One of the tong types in the set is wolf jaw tong, and the other one is V-bit tong. This set lets you choose the tong according to your requirements.

Both tongs are made from rock-solid steel. It is the rock-solid steel construction that gives them strength, durability, and lightweight features. The V-bit tong is a long tong of about 18 inches, and the wolf jaw tong is a medium-size tong of about 16 inches.

The lightweight features of these two tongs make their moving and controlling easier and effortless. The V-bit tongs are designed to fit stocks of multiple sizes and shapes at great ease. The “V” shape of the tongs gives a better grip and control over a variety of stocks.

These pickup tongs come with jaws that can be opened up to 45 degrees. As a result, both tongs are capable of holding flat stock regardless of their shape and sizes. You can use both the tongs in the BetterForge Starter Kit to hold a variety of stocks.

The long handles of BetterForge tongs help improve users’ comfort and make their work much easier and safe. It helps the user to work by maintaining a distance from the fire source.

BetterForge Starter Kit is a good choice for both beginners and professional blacksmiths. The tongs in the set are durable and safe as well. You can have two tongs at affordable rates with this Starter Kit.

Key Features

• They are made of steel.
• Two types of tongs in a single package.
• Jaws are capable of opening up to 45 degrees.
• Strong and reliable construction.

2. Picard Wolfs Jaw Blacksmith Tongs

Picard wolfs jaw blacksmith tongs are very effective tongs known for their versatility in applications. Usually, blacksmith tongs are made from wrought iron or steel. This Picard tong model is not at all different.

The materials used for constructing the tongs are an important criterion to check while buying the tongs. So, we went deep into the making of it to understand the quality.

The steel used in the construction of Picard Wolf’s Jaw Blacksmith Tongs is a combination of iron, carbon, and manganese. Carbon content is less than 2%, that of manganese is about 1%, and sulfur, silicon, phosphorus, and oxygen are found in small quantities. This combination of elements used in the construction gives better strength and lightweight properties to the Picard Wolf’s Jaw Tongs.

Moreover, this combination has a role in preventing the regular erosion of Picard tongs, as well. So, you shouldn’t worry about the durability of this product.

The round-shaped jaw of Picard’s wolf jaw tong with variations helps in offering a better grip over various materials.

Picard wolf jaw tongs only weigh around 2 pounds. They are constructed by considering the needs of beginners as well as professionals. And hence, these tongs are durable, affordable, and secure for trying out blacksmithing skills.

Key Features

• Made of rock-solid steel.
• It weighs around 2 pounds only.
• Sturdy construction.
• Durable build.

3. Caliburn Wolf Jaw Tongs

Caliburn Wolf Jaw Tongs are versatile tongs that offer a great and comfortable grip to users over a variety of stocks. This is one of the most popular holding tools used by beginners as well as professional blacksmiths.

Caliburn Wolf Jaw tongs are known for their lightweight features, better control and improved balance. It is approximately 400mm in length and about 1.5lbs in weight.

Suppose you are wondering about what Caliburn jaw tongs are made. In that case, Caliburn wolf jaw tongs are particularly designed to offer a better grip and control and balance over the metal and fireworks of blacksmiths. And hence, it is one of the most important tools for blacksmiths, bladesmiths, and farriers.

Caliburn jaw tongs are made to ensure the safety of the users. These tongs are hence known for their resilience, sturdiness, and reliability.

It is very important to check what the tongs you buy are made of. Caliburn wolf jaw tongs are made of ultra-strong steel that offers great durability to the tool. The lightweight head of this tool helps the users gain a good grip on a variety of stocks.

Caliburn wolf jaw tongs are long enough to have distance from the fire source while working. So it ensures the safety and security of the user. It is an affordable and high-quality gripping tool with versatile uses.

Key Features

• Lightweight.
• Extra-long.
• Durable construction.
• Offers a secure grip over a variety of materials.

4. GEDORE 230-500 Blacksmith’s Tongs

GEDORE is one of the oldest German brands known for manufacturing high-quality and top-end tools. This 230-500 model from this German brand is also a great addition to their line up.

GEDORE 230-500 Blacksmith tongs are very popular for its lightweight features. It is approximately 500mm in length and weighs about 2.73 pounds only. This tong comes in an excellent design to give a secure grip and control along with perfect balance over various stocks used by blacksmiths.

GEDORE tongs come with long handles and flatheads that make them look gorgeous and offer a comfortable grip to securely hold the stocks. The long handle helps the users maintain a distance from the fire source while working and ensures their safety. GEDORE tongs, hence, helps blacksmiths to work safely and securely.

One of the most noticeable phenomena of GEDORE tong is that its construction comprises first-class materials and modern production methods. In addition to this, it has a unique manufacturing method, which makes it more acceptable to the users.  

GEDORE 230-500 Blacksmith’s Tongs are also cost-effective compared to the other tongs available in the market. Besides, this trustworthy tong also ensures strength and durability at a very affordable cost.

Key Features

• Long handle.
• Lightweight.
• Flat nose tongs
• Sturdy construction.
• Affordable.

5. Yoursme DIY Rapid Tongs Bundle Set

Yoursme DIY rapid tongs set consists of five tong types, which are an integral part of almost every blacksmith shop. This bundle is quite popular among blacksmiths due to the versatility it offers.

Tongs in the Yoursme DIY Rapid Tongs Set are made up of steel, making these tongs comparatively lighter. This tongs set only weighs around 6.04 pounds altogether. The light nature of the tong set helps the users to carry it easily.

Yoursme blacksmith tong set consists of a pair of bolt tongs, slot jaw tongs, flat jaw tongs, scroll tongs and V-bit tongs. Each pair of tongs comes with a rivet, as well.

In the DIY set, bolt tongs possess an open jaw that makes them suitable for grabbing bulky metal ends easily. The tongs with flat jaw are versatile tongs that can easily be turned into wolf jaw, box jaw, or V-bit tongs to work according to the metal’s size and shape.

Slot jaw tongs of the Yoursme DIY Set come with an additional slot in the jaw to allow the users to grab round, square or flat materials with the same tongs easily. Their jaws also possess long reins.

Rapid V-bit tongs in the Bundle Set are made for fitting materials in various shapes and sizes at great ease. Its “V” shape gives a good grip on a variety of objects. The long reins of rapid V-bit tongs are 12 inches long and have wide jaws of about 1 inch.

Finally, rapid scroll tongs are the smallest tongs of the set that come with their jaw tapered and are generally used to scroll or detail works. The size of these tongs makes it suitable for a variety of applications.

One noticeable specialty of this package is that we have many options for our work according to our comfort zone. It has a long handle that helps the user work with it having distance from the fire. So this tong is much more secure and safer compared to many other tongs available.

Key Features

• The set contains five tong types.
• Made of 16-inch mild steel.
• Cost-effective tongs set.
• Durable construction.
• Suitable size for different kinds and stock sizes.

6. BetterForge 18 inch Bolt Tongs with V-Bit Jaws

Here is an 18 inches bolt tongs with V-bit jaws manufactured by BetterForge. This is a perfect gripping tool designed for both beginners and expert blacksmiths, plus the farriers-superior blacksmith.

BetterForge bolt tongs is an effective gripping tool with extra V-bit jaws made up of heavy forged steel. The V-bit jaws are made to fit materials of multiple sizes and shapes easily. The “V” shape of the tongs gives a better grip over the objects regardless of their size and shape.

Bolt tongs are one of the most versatile tongs that are excellent for holding a wide variety of stocks. The 18 inches length of this Betterforge tong gives better leverage and balance to hold things securely.

BetterForge 18 inch bolt tongs are lightweight and weigh about 2.17 pounds. It is available at a low and affordable cost. These strong and sturdily built tongs are one of the most reliable tongs available.

Key Features

• Made of heavy-duty forged steel.
• Lightweight.
• Affordable cost.
• Strongly built.

7. Picard Hammer - Blacksmiths’ Tong

Picard Hammer-blacksmiths’ tong is a special type of tong that fits the shop’s needs and at home or in the field. This tong is designed with the user in mind and provides great comfort while using the tong.

Picard Hammer blacksmith tongs are made with solid C35 steel. C35 steel is medium carbon steel, which is widely used as machinery parts. This steel contains 0.30% - 0.60% carbon and 0.60% - 1.65% manganese. The combination of carbon and manganese with iron makes it stronger, more durable and allows the tong to withstand the quenched and tempered condition.

Carbon steel used in the construction makes the tongs lightweight. It weighs about 1.1 pounds only. The lightweight feature of the Picard Hammer tongs provides users with better control and balance over their metalwork.

Picard blacksmith tong has a fully metal handled grip that helps the user grab hot stuff and not hurt the end-user. They are excellent for small forge and well balanced as the rivet is perfectly fitted for the user.

Long handles of the tongs help the blacksmiths to stay away from the fire source. This is a secure and safer choice of tong that is cost-effective compared to other tongs available. Besides, these tongs are proven and tested for reliability and durability.

Key Features

• Made of C-35 steel.
• Provides better grip and control.
• Durable and sturdy construction.
• Cost-effective rivet tongs.

8. BetterForge Z-Type Offset Blacksmith Tongs

BetterForge Z-type offset blacksmith tongs are the tongs usually used for purposes such as knifemaking. These tongs come with an offset and V-bit jaw to excel at the task of knife making.

V-bit tongs are designed to give users a good grip over a variety of materials in different sizes and shapes with great ease. The “V” shape of the tongs gives a better grip to the users on the object. The offset jaws are designed and featured to hold stock and material in the middle, instead of just at the ends. As a result, these tongs’ rivet joint never impedes stocks in any round, flat, or square shapes.

V-bit tong gives better control and balance to the user. It is lightweight with a weight of around 2.1 pounds only. The optimal measure of leverage and weight of the BetterForge gives users better control over various materials.

Solid rock steel is used in the making of BetterForge Z-type Offset tongs. The forged steel construction method ensures better strength, durability, and reliability. The 17 inches long tong helps the user have a distant working environment from the fire source, increasing the user’s safety and comfortability.

The BetterForge Z-type Offset Forging Tongs with V-bit is altogether a trustworthy product available at an affordable price.

Key Features

• Made with offset, V-bit jaws.
• Perfect ratio of weight and leverage.
• Sturdy and durable construction.
• Affordable cost tongs can handle square stock and round stock.

9. ForgeTongs 3/4” x 3/8” Box Jaw Tong

3/4” x 3/8” box jaw tong is one of the most popular tongs for making blacksmith knife, bladesmithing functionaries, and iron/steel based tools manufacturing. This makes an excellent tool both for beginners and experts. It is designed especially for artisans, bladesmiths, and blacksmiths. 

The powerful box jaw tongs are made from medium carbon steel, which is widely used as machinery parts. This steel contains 0.30% - 0.60% carbon and 0.60% - 1.65% manganese. The combination of carbon and manganese with iron makes it stronger and much more durable. ForgeTongs box jaw tongs can withstand wear and tear over a very long period.

It is featured by 3/4” by 3/8” box jaw that can hold materials perfectly and securely regardless of the stock’s shape and sizes. The tong’s tongue can be opened or closed at great ease to accommodate materials of different sizes and thicknesses. It comes with 14 inches long reigns with a ball at the ends that protect the rivet joints and ensure better handling of the tong.

Using medium carbon steel, the box jaw tongs are made lightweight to offer a better life with reliability. It weighs about 1.81 pounds only. The lightweight feature of the tongs brings several advantages to the users.

The long handle of ForgeTongs helps keep the user’s body away from the fire source and ensures the user’s safety.

Key Features

• Made of medium carbon steel.
• Excellent weight balance.
• Cost-effective.
• Reliable and durable.

10. Picard Hammer - Blacksmiths’ Tong, round-nosed

Here is one more type of tongs from Picard hammer. The only major difference of this tong from other Picard Hammer tongs is its front side design with a round-shaped nose. These tongs are pretty crappy looking, but they are effective and functional.

Like the other Picard tongs, the round-nosed tongs are made from strong solid C35 steel. As I said earlier, C35 steel is medium carbon steel, widely used as machinery parts. This particular type of steel contains 0.30% - 0.60% carbon and 0.60% - 1.65% manganese. The combination of carbon and manganese with iron makes these tongs stronger and more durable.

Picard Hammer - Blacksmiths’ Tong is lightweight and offers a better lifetime and reliability as it is manufactured with top quality steel. It weighs about 1.1 pounds only. These tongs’ lightweight feature provides great comfort and grip to the users for doing tasks easily. So, a good set for beginner blacksmiths.

The round-nosed Picard Hammer Blacksmiths tong features a long handle. Therefore, we do not have to worry about going very close to the fire while working. This gripping tool is versatile and provides great strength and long-term resilience. It makes a good choice of an affordable gripping tool with high quality.

Key Features

• Made of C35 steel.
• Round-nosed.
• Durable construction.
• Affordable cost.

What is Blacksmith Tong?

Tongs are the best companions of blacksmiths to pick up and hold red hot metals.  These tools are made up of wrought iron or steel and are designed to hold melting-hot metal pieces. The tongs have large flat smooth jaw surfaces to help blacksmiths grab the hot metal pieces.

Different types of tongs are available in the market, and you can choose tongs according to the size and shape of the material you intend to work on.

Read Also: Blacksmith Hammer Reviews AND Blacksmith Anvils

What to Look For When Buying the Best Blacksmith Tongs?

After hammers and anvils, tongs are the essential tools in blacksmithing. Let us discuss a few factors to consider when choosing tongs.

The Tongs' Morphology

It's often essential to know your instruments' anatomy, whether forging or purchasing new ones so that you can make educated decisions.

Before buying them, it is necessary to be informed of the distinct facets of tongs. The reins, which are used by blacksmiths to open and shut a pair of tongs, are called the handles of tongs. The joint of the tongs, which is situated where the reins touch, enables the opening and closing motion. To secure the two reins together, the joint typically comprises a hinge plate and a rivet.

The portion above the joint is referred to as the tongs' jaws, which are the elements of the tongs that are in close touch with the metallic workpiece and the forge, which actually conduct the gripping or grasping operation. Tong jaws are very flexible and can be rendered for numerous applications in various shapes. Be careful to make sure that every part is firm, well connected, and made with strong material.

Length of Tongs

It's logical to have various lengths of tongs, but the added weight comes with additional length. You may not want that extra weight, except the length is actually needed.

In general, Tongs can come in several different lengths, in addition to the variation of tong jaws. Depending on the application or how you build them in your own forge, they will vary from 15 inches to 40 inches on average. It is necessary to bear in mind, though, that the longer the tongs are, the heavier they weigh.

Dependent on the actual length of tongs, there is a reasonable tradeoff. You will remain further away from the hot forge when using long tongs, whereas shorter tongs force you to step closer to the forge and the flat workpiece. It comes down to a balance between weight and exposure to heat.

For multi-purpose tongs, such as Z-jaw tongs, wolf jaw tongs, or V-bit bolt tongs, these lengths may be either hindrances or gains, based on the background, abilities, and the precise type of project you are working on. A reasonable middle ground, particularly if you are an inexperienced blacksmith trying to deal with basic tasks, would be a length of about 17-23 inches.

Tong Weight and Tong Type

Tongs come in a number of shapes and sizes, and understanding the type that fits in for each job is crucial.

Having tongs that are the right form for your application does not only helps you to grip the metal stock securely when utilizing them, but it also reduces the tension on your hands and wrists.

Also, the kind of tongs you buy should be focused on your degree of ability. If you just start as a novice blacksmith, purchasing tongs that can achieve a number of tasks you're involved in, such as V-bit, universal tongs, or wolf jaw tongs, might be more useful than starting with bent knee tongs, scrolling tongs, or spreading tongs. 

It should also be within the capacity limits for the size and weight of tongs, although unlike the thickness, it is actually very challenging to suggest an optimal weight since each is different, and some prefer a softer contact and some a harder grip.

It's always safer to simply choose an appropriate length range (as mentioned) for your tong of preference when heading out first, then pick up a high-quality pair from a reliable brand who knows what they're doing.

Usually, though, most beginners would find it simpler, to begin with, a lighter collection of tongs to get accustomed to the motions and physical effort used throughout the blacksmithing methods.

Depending on their individual requirements and target price, many blacksmiths, including more careful beginners, may still forge their own tongs. If you don't want to bother about forging your own materials, while it is considered the most inexpensive way to get tongs, many of the tools are readily available for direct purchase in fresh and used conditions in online shops.

For several common tong types, you might also select a DIY blacksmith tong package, which contains pre-made pieces that require some assembly.

Versatility of Use

There are different types of tongs, all made for different purposes. Some tongs were designed for making knives; some were made for doing pot making operations.

The various uses that tongs offer may include holding things, carrying stuff, twisting materials, beating, and even shaping, to some extent. As a beginner or someone that is trying to cut the price, you should go for versatile tongs—a very versatile though can-do multiple jobs, if not all.

Also, as I have mentioned, some packages come with various tongs in grouped sets. Buying a full set means having all the various types of tongs, from which you can select from.

Our Final Verdict

Blacksmith tongs are among the most effective tools for people who work with fire to make tools from steel or rod iron.

Tongs are an essential component of every blacksmith workshop. You cannot start blacksmithing safely and securely without the access of a good pair of tongs. Different types of tongs are available in the market. You have to choose your pair of tongs according to the size and shape of the materials you are going to deal with.

Here we have listed out some of the best blacksmith tongs available in the market. Our list will definitely help you make a good selection.

We advise beginners to invest in an affordable starter kit comprising different types of tongs. A starter kit with different types will help you understand the features of each type. And the starter kit will help you easily understand the peculiarities of each tong type and use accordingly.

Read Also:

• Knife Grinder Reviews
• Propane Forges
• Workbench top materials