Quick Tongs and Rapid Tongs from Kens Custom Iron - tool review

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As we look further into the making of blacksmiths tongs, Lets take a look at the Quick Tongs and Rapid Tongs from Kens Custom Iron. These provide a quick and easy method of making tongs without having to forge weld or draw out the reins
www.kensironstore.com
Thank you for watching. Black Bear Forge is a small one person shop located in Southern Colorado.
If you would like to provide financial support to my RU-vid channel visit
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Find my shop on line at:
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www.blackbearforge.etsy.com
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The following list provides just a few resources to help you find supplies and equipment for blacksmithing.
www.piehtoolco.com/
www.centaurforge.com/
www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
www.blacksmithbolt.com/
www.oldworldanvils.com/
www.abana.org/
www.mcmaster.com
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.

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26 янв 2018

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Комментарии : 211

@PeopleAlreadyDidThis 6 лет назад

Good tutorial, John. As a beginner, I recently bought a half dozen pair of these. I’ve forged three pair into use and have to agree they’re a good product, inexpensive and fairly universal in use for getting started. The folks at Ken’s were great. Shipping was indeed reasonable for a batch. Having used them for a dozen or so small projects, I’d affirm that you do want to at least take the edges off the reins. The plasma cut edges wear on the hands pretty quickly. Take John’s advice, too, and groove the flat jaws. They’re pretty slippery otherwise. Ken’s slot jaw tongs really make a difference holding bar stock. I was even able to reheat them and get them to hold a piece of 3/4” round well enough to bend it 180* on the horn. All in all, I’m well pleased; got a lot of tools for the price of two typical pair, and didn’t have to try forging tongs from scratch using channellocks and without skill. Now, with a little experience, I can tackle those.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

Glad to know that others feel the same way I do about the tongs. Also glad you enjoyed the video.

@Lmr6973 4 года назад

@@BlackBearForge I have really learned a lot from your channel and appreciate all the effort you put into it. If you haven't done the vbit tongs it would be a big help to me. The offset is what has caused me to scrap 2 pair already.

@orlandoplain6804 3 года назад

@@BlackBearForge where are you from?

@kimcurtis423 8 месяцев назад

I, also bought bought both batches of tongs and have finished them and used tgem on several projects. Well worth the money and the time it takes to forge and assemble them. A great learning experience! They are a great company to deal with Customet service is the best!

@alcmbauer1 5 месяцев назад

What kind of wax do you use?

@timgray4282 4 месяца назад

I too bought the rapid tongs from Amazon, and it comes with a QR code that leads to Black Bear ,wich is perfect because I've been watching this channel for years 👌, great information here thank you for all your hard work and insight

@davemanboyer8631 Год назад

I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now and just wanted to say thank you for the content you provide. For people like me looking to learn, but are unable to take a class for whatever reasons, to watch at our own pace and be able to put it down and pick it back up is to say the least awesome. Thank you for taking the time and effort to be a REAL educator. I bought a set of 5 tongs recently and when I opened the box there was a direct link to this video and I was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face. Just wanted to take the time to say thank you and I look forward to seeing more content.

@b.ohugin610 6 лет назад

Thanks for the video! I did not know tongs were "handed". I always learn from your videos.

@tonyloechte9994 5 лет назад

You’re educaton is brilliant I’m 47 and I’m just getting in to the forge stuff I live in Australia I love the way you talk things through good or bad. Thanks Mate !

@nathandunning7150 3 года назад

Hey Tony I'm 45 & just doing the same. I live in Tasmania. You can buy this set of tongs on ebay for around $60.

@paulorchard7960 2 года назад

Where in Oz are you Tony, would love to have a local forge buddy to make mistakes with! I am just north if brissie!

@PoodaNightCralwer Год назад

Just got into to it myself you have any pointers?

@Jwack67 Год назад

Thank you so much for all your content. You really helped me get started on the right foot with blacksmithing. You're a natural teacher and basicaly everything i know about the craft is thanks to you.

@robbiecaddell 2 года назад

Very helpful, John! I really appreciate it and I really enjoy watching you work. You're a talented teacher! I should know, I was married to one for 15 years!

@BlackBearForge 2 года назад

I appreciate that!

@PacNorthOR 5 лет назад

For being a fairly basic topic, this is actually a very informative and INCREDIBLY useful video! Well done! I’m saving this for future reference.

@ADVJason 4 месяца назад

Make sure your buying from Ken's Custom Iron website. I ordered some from amazon before I knew. Came from China. They even reference this video with their documentation, which is a QR code. They are cheaper but I'll buy the made in USA ones next time.

@markj284 Год назад

Thanks for this video, I just got these tongs. New to this, so this video is very helpful.

@Surefootsurvival 6 месяцев назад

12/25/23. Just received the Quick Tong Bundle Set as a Christmas present can wait to heat and beat.👊

@jeffwoolever5084 6 лет назад

I bought a set of Ken's rapid tongs and used a pair of vice grips to do the first one and then was good to go.

@hacgarimman9660 Год назад

Just bought some of these. Been waiting years for a UK supplier! The QR code in the box sent me here!

@carr869 Год назад

Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to make and share these videos with us.

@Yata69 Год назад

I chose this hobby for a few reasons. I grew up areound metal work, ive seen how folks can shape metal and i knew for sure, i could not drink while participating, hence, made great sense to me. Ive minorly burned myself already sober, adds to the cant drink part as well as the need to me smart and safe!

@chrissoto7187 2 года назад

Just bought a pair can’t wait to get started

@Perry_Wolf 5 лет назад

The last comments on making a temporary set of tongs with a bolt is priceless.

@scottkendrick2644 2 года назад

new sub from Seward Alaska and I have to thank you for this channel brother! Very helpful video, blessings to you and yours.

@BlackBearForge 2 года назад

Welcome aboard!

@glennfelpel9785 6 лет назад

Thank you John, this was great!

@BottlemakerForge 7 месяцев назад

I just got a pack of these from amazon. Another brand and they added a QR code to this video. Been watching your videos for a couple years and laughed when it sent me to yours. Hope they are paying you and kens

@charlesmay8251 6 лет назад

great idea! I will check them out.

@JK-xv2sx 4 года назад

Thank you very much the tongs work great

@navenridge 6 лет назад

as a beginner i love the help with the "blacksmiths dilema" how to make stuff to hold stuff:)

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I do hope this helps out

@JustinTopp 4 года назад

This is how I got my first sets of tongs. I found punching them much easier than drilling

@DogGuy19 5 лет назад

Appreciate your videos & knowledge very much, thanks

@klkkylekin5948 6 лет назад

Very nice video thanks for taking the time to teach us

@CgKraig50 9 месяцев назад

Thanks for helping us noobs

@capecodder6207 5 лет назад

I love your videos. I watch consistently and I am learning a great deal. I appreciate your skill!

@beni2094 6 лет назад

Really nice video. Very thorough and comprehensive. Thanks

@brettsayers7768 6 лет назад

Great video John, really found it informative and very helpful

@reneemills-mistretta790 5 лет назад

Those quick tongs are worth it, saves a bunch of time and money for the 1st set of tongs to get started. Thank you.

@larryking606 5 лет назад

Another great finish to this project ! Will definitely check out Ken's rapid and quick tongs !

@billwessels207 2 года назад

A very pleasant enjoyable, informative video. Thank you, Sir!

@NeilGraham.I.M.F 5 лет назад

This sure is a great and very detailed video, it was and will be very informative in the future. Thank u for taking the time to put out such a well-made video. And thank kens iron aswell 4 a great product!

@thisarepatar 6 лет назад

Love your videos, very informative and thorough! Made a set of twisted tongs per your video and will definitely be looking into getting a starter set from Ken’s!

@twitchytwist3921 2 года назад

I hope to see you do them all!!

@nestorknoxs3795 4 года назад

It's really cool going back and watching your older videos. The anvil really has a hi ring to it compared to now!!

@tomayrscotland6890 2 года назад

Hi there Blacksmith, I now have my forge up and running I am still looking to get a camera that will give me a nice picture that is clear. Nice video.

@thomasbrighton6159 4 года назад

I sure appreciate the time that you take to make these videos! I’m learning a lot, as I go through all of your videos! Thank you!

@memomannn 3 года назад

tnks for video!! is so good!!

@JohnFleshman 5 лет назад

I bought the rapid tong set and got my first pair put together today. very easy to do and were basically my first blacksmithing project. I think they turned out very nice. still need to tune them for my stock tomorrow,

@patshes1951 Год назад

Excelent video.

@lenbrandstad2860 6 лет назад

I will have to look into these tong kits , it's worth a look. Thanks for the great video

@b.ohugin610 6 лет назад

Oh yeah and I've done 4 sets of quick and rapid tongs. I needed a pair of knee tongs but he doesn't carry blanks specifically for that style. I got a pair of his flat jaw tongs and made knee tongs by drawing the bits out and then bending them 90 degrees. They work great.

@nathandunning7150 3 года назад

I just ordered a set of these so thank you for showing me how to set them up.

@kevinhilton6293 5 лет назад

Just getting going over here. Going to have to pick up a set of the rapids. Thanks for the video

@mikemeinders6717 5 лет назад

I love these after watching you I bought a whole set and have been using them constantly .. thanks for the info. Yer a great teacher.

@MoabYoda Год назад

So I recently bought a set of knock offs of this idea on Amazon. It was a 5 pack of various tong blanks for $32. It came with a QR code that linked to this video as the only instructions in the box. Had I known about the Ken's tongs I would have ordered from him. Down side to having a good idea. Someone else will steal your idea and undercut your prices.

@compacteconomycar5300 8 месяцев назад

Same

@joeboro7333 7 месяцев назад

Same here too. In future I will buy from Ken.

@SpartanLeroy 7 месяцев назад

Same

@ThananGeodu 6 месяцев назад

Same

@83nav 5 месяцев назад

I'm also guilty and will buy else from Ken.

@tedgibson656 5 лет назад

Thanks for the video. I just got my first set from Ken's and am looking forward to the assembly process now that I've watched your video!

@Dogman21 4 года назад

I'm a new smith and learning this is very informative.

@brandonhahn7789 5 лет назад

I just assembled mine. It was really helpful to see how to put them together before attempting to make my own. It’s a great way to learn.

@strongsadventures 6 лет назад

Very good video thank you sir

@joemcgillivray9322 2 года назад

Thanks for all the info, just got my tong set from kens, starting on them now. You are my favorite video. Thanks again.

@baddogforge5181 6 лет назад

I have purchased several things from Ken I especially like his block brush

@thesixfootsixblacksmith4772 4 года назад

Thank you for the in-depth instruction. I messed up my first pair of the quick tong blanks but now I know what to do.

@lawrencekilby4356 6 лет назад

Very nice. I was watching a previous video of yours and saw them still bundled on your bench , knew it was from Kens. I had just ordered some. At about 10 bucks a pair, shipped....the work saved is totally worth it.

@garethbaus5471 2 года назад

I have some simple flat jaw tongs, they can't hold anything securely unless it has a very specific thickness and the constant adjustment is a hassle. I am a much bigger fan of bolt tongs, as long as you pick an appropriately sized pair they can hold most things at least moderately well after a little adjustment. The rapid tongs look like the perfect size to add to my collection of tongs.

@chrisdalby4682 5 лет назад

Great video. Subscribed. After watching this I went and CNC Plasma cut some blanks and made my first set yesterday. Came out OK thanks to you. You have many great videos. Thank you.

@flyingturret208thecannon5 2 года назад

Merry Christmas man!

@Brishkar 4 года назад

I just received my first pair from Ken's custom iron and I can't wait to get started forging them. Thank you for the information and instruction.

@BlackBearForge 4 года назад

I think you will be happy with them.

@joeyself8839 5 лет назад

Thanks for the site for the tongs I have trouble with my angles on the ones I have made they work lol and I'm getting better but this will help adjustment to mine

@sleepingbear7182 6 лет назад

I have seveeral of these tongs. They are easy to put together, and they work well.

@bentoombs 6 лет назад

They do have some cool kits

@kennyw6712 6 лет назад

Just ordered the rapid tongs....thank you for giving your time to guide those who know much less.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I think you will be quite happy with them.

@michaelhayes1678 3 года назад

Thanks Mr. Switzer for making me aware of these. Though I have tried repeatedly to make a pair of tongs I am pleased with, I'm sure my Ken's will be a lot less work, and yield a better outcome (especially coupled with my recent acquisition of an anvil to replace my ASO and a vise.) Thank you, thank you!

@BlackBearForge 3 года назад

Glad to help

@Alejandro-mk1ox Год назад

❤ your Chanel

@sanpogiri 6 лет назад

The second forging project I ever did was a pair of tongs out of rebar. They were the ugliest things you've ever seen. But they worked. Very much appreciate the info on Ken's Iron Store. Thanks!

@hernandezknives Год назад

Thanks!

@larryfetters212 6 лет назад

Great video ty.

@tomcarlson3244 4 года назад

I bought a set of both quick and rapid tong from ken iron. I had to make a rivet header first to put these together. Thanks for the video on header and ball punch. To days the day to put some together. After getting them I think just getting the smaller set first would do just fine. I appreciate all your videos with all the tips. Thank you very much

@brianfalls5894 3 года назад

Hey there John. Just wanted to let you know that I purchased a set of the quick tongs and they came in today. I look forward to building them and putting them to good use. Many thanks for a very informative video!!!!

@samuraichad343 6 лет назад

I started forging recently and saw these rapid tongs on eBay and decided to get them. A few days later I saw your video about them. Your video on these tongs cannot be any better. You saved me a lot of time sir. Thank you.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I am glad the video was helpful. I think you will enjoy the tongs

@CXonthefly 5 лет назад

I used to live in Colorado I'm in Nevada now for a while but I'm just starting blacksmith I'm just got my Forge my hammers those type of tongs yesterday

@johnnygeorge8385 6 лет назад

Thanks so much for these videos I just bought a set of the rapid tongs figured I’d learn a little and I spent more on a forge and some plate steel for a makeshift anvil.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I think you will be happy with them.

@Unicorn161 2 года назад

I didn't get directions! I just got a small card with a QR code that was a link to this video. You are the instructions!

@FunHobbies225 2 года назад

great tongs i got some

@bc65925 6 лет назад

I sent one of the quick tong sets to my son for Christmas. Waiting to see him put them to use. I do know he was working on a set of them last weekend because he told me that the chisel I forged and sent to him worked great splitting the bit on one set. Actually sent him a set of 4 punches and 1 chisel for Christmas to get him started. I had a hard time talking myself in to sending those to him, they'd a looked good in my punch tote.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

You will just have to make more for yourself I suppose.

@BLACKRIVERLASER 6 лет назад

Really great video John. I bought Kens scrolling tongs a year ago and they are my favorite set in the shop for making Rat tail ends. Really heavy duty! All of your videos are great and the tong making ones are my favorite John. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

Thahk you, glad you are enjoying the show

@chpppa 6 лет назад

I have always wanted to try blacksmithing. Your videos I like the best. Projects are broke down and explained well.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

Thank you

@TylerDivelbiss 6 лет назад

I agree! I've watched tons of blacksmithing videos in RU-vid and have since started the hobby, and this channel is one of the very best for learning. Others are either boring or too focused on entertainment and not enough on teaching.

@mikelow3 6 лет назад

Thanks for doing a great job at teaching blacksmithing skills for beginners like me.I was thinking about purchasing this tong kit and after watching this video it looks like a good deal to me.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I am glad it was helpful. I think you will find them to be a good investment.

@jimmyjackjumpup6765 2 года назад

You could make/invent some two piece handled tongs so that they would fit into a flat rate shipping box. Make them screw together maybe like a pool que. Or just make the ends fit together so they would be easy to weld.

@ArmySoldier1972 2 года назад

John, As I troll through your older content, I went ahead and bought a package set from Kens website. I am in the middle of putting the Quick Flat and Slot Tongs together. I had to take a break and thought I would come watch your video again. I find it sad that there are several vendors selling Tong blanks like Kens, using almost identical pictures from Ken's site and what I assume is inferior products, But they are not affiliated with Ken and to me it looks like they are just knock offs. One vender even referenced your video (good for your site). Thanks for all you do. ARMY

@BlackBearForge 2 года назад

Those are definitely rip off artists. They pull images from Kens web site and my videos to advertise their lower quality product. But there is not much I have been able to do since they are mostly over seas.

@blanders98273 2 года назад

Such excellent instruction, John! Thanks so much. About to go shape my first pair. This is my favorite blacksmithing channel.

@jackdawg4579 6 лет назад

I checked out the "handiness" of a set of tongs I made for myself a while back. You are spot on, I am left handed, but just straight copied the tongs as per the video, the tongs definitely hold better in my left hand, and want to role away when I hold them in my right hand! (So suited to a right handed smith). So I pulled them apart and moved the reins so they are fully over the top of each other by the time they get to where I grip them, much better, but I will have another go with a new set - twisting the other direction, see if the result is better again.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

Handedness is easy to overlook or get backwards, but it does make them easier to use if you get them right.

@thingmaker3 4 года назад

What?!? We're allowed to file or grind the jaws to make them nice?!? That's awesome!

@richardneel6953 4 года назад

I've bought a few sets of these tongs and have built 2 of the flat bit ones so far. I wonder if it wouldn't be a better option (and a little less fiddly) to use a piece of square bar of the desired size to form the channels in the bits after they are riveted (while hot of course). Forming the channels with a chisel and then trying to get them to line up after riveting seems a bit daunting to a beginner.

@outdoorswiththemick 6 лет назад

Good video, I bought the 43 dollar set a few months back and haven't touched them. I think ill go ahead and tackle it now.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I know how easy it is to buy things with good intentions and then not get it done. I am just now mounting a hose reel I bought 2 months ago.

@stephenmcfadyen1385 6 лет назад

Thanks for this tutorial for Ken's tongs, I have a pair of quick tongs from Ken way back when the AUD and USD exchange rate meant the shipping to Australia was reasonable. Lately the shipping of a set from Ken was around $58 USD, I hope you will continue to show us how to make tongs from scratch, I am particularly interested in learning to make some light and heavy duty bolt tongs. I also think that Kens tongs are a great way for a beginner to get a set of tongs to start off. Thanks again for taking the time to make and edit a great presentation.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

Shipping has really become expensive. I do have plans to do a few more videos on tongs from scratch including the forge welded variety. I will also plan on doing some bolt tongs.

@davidrichardson9216 5 лет назад

Thanks for the recommendation John. After a long and convoluted journey via Minnesota, Chicago, the North Atlantic, Her Majesty's Customs and Robbing Bastards, and the Royal Mail, my DIY blacksmiths tongs have arrived from Ken's Custom Iron. Looking forward to having a bash at these when I get my forge up and running. Two interesting points to note 1) Kens Custom Ironworks considers heavy duty tong blanks made of steel to be fragile. They must have some big strong lads delivering the post in America. 2) According to the US Postal Service I live in Great Britain and am Northern. Correct in two respects but unsupported by geography. Scotland, my dears, Scotland.

@BlackBearForge 5 лет назад

I hope they work out well for you

@trminer 6 лет назад

Hello John, I thought those tong blanks looked familiar. :) Thanks very much again for the very useful information. I'm on my 9th pair from Ken's Iron and I have found them to be a great product. I built a pair of their large RR spike tongs late last summer. The RR spike knives do well in the museum gift shop during hunting season. I had a little problem with them, but after a chat with the folks at Ken's, I was able to see where things went haywire. The spike tongs have made the work on the knives a much more agreeable exercise. The tongs do seem to "wallow" out a bit though, after a time and need to be resized. It's not a big deal, just a reheat and a little work at the anvil with a spike. The other thing for me is that building the tongs from a precut blank has given me a better grasp of what needs to happen when tongs are built from scratch. I look forward to seeing more of what the possible shapes are for the flat jaw tongs. Also, do you recommend hardening or tempering? Thanks again!

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I think the quick tongs and rapid tongs are going to be very useful. I never heat treat tongs and assumed these were made from mild steel and would not be hardenable anyway. I prefer mild steel so that if the get red hot in use you can quench them without fear of cracking. Some people make them from alloy steels that would be oil hardening and quenching them at a red heat in water would be a problem.

@trminer 6 лет назад

I think you are correct about them being made of mild steel; I believe the Ken's Iron folks mention that somewhere it their information about the quick/rapid tongs. Thanks!

@jessebond4221 5 лет назад

Im at 6:27 and i just want add something i have found helps utter newbies with the needing tongs to make tongs issue...harbor freight (or similar store even auto parts stores really anywhere with dirt cheap tools) will have 11" pliers for sale ...harbor freight has them on sale frequently for just a couple bucks but are regularly priced about $7.50 ...file the teeth down so they are slightly grooved but not sharp ridges and they make for a cheap set of very basic (certainly not ideal) tongs to forge your premade tong blanks with ...you can also order a set of long handle pliers from amazon fairly cheap ...when you finally have your tongs forged round over your plier jaws and use them for scrolling work for tight scrolls

@MrBostjanVidmar 4 года назад

Great video! This is a very good option for beginners, cheap and you learn something. I like your videos. Can you tell me what kind of steel these tongs are made of? And generally what kind of steel is used to make tongs?

@rottenartbydk1339 3 года назад

I came into a set of quick tongs that were missing the rivets. Mary Lou helped me out getting what I needed. They put on a great 2 day beginner class. Both Ken and Mary Lou are very knowledgeable and willing to help make your skill much better. Well worth the money. Come to central Minnesota and enjoy 2 days over an anvil. I always learn from this RU-vid channel and get ways to do things if you don't have all the tools. Thank you.

@markriggs3415 6 лет назад

Thank you for this video! I'd seen these tong kits before but wasn't sure if I wanted to spend the money on them, if they would be worth it in the long run. I think I'll be ordering a set now.

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I think they are worth it for learning how tongs work and making tongs in a hurry, in the long run they probably aren't as nice as forged from scratch, if you have the skills to forge tongs from scratch.

@markriggs3415 6 лет назад

i do not just yet, I'm still learning. I'm actually in the middle of trying to build a set using your previous video on the flat stock twist method

@andrewulrich8053 4 года назад

you can make it hold things better by adding lots of small grooves in the flat jaws

@lgdy5703 4 года назад

Hello and thanks for all you have taught me, I’m looking to start making hammers but what is the best all round tongs you would recommend for hammer making ? Thanks 😊

@Carterironworks 4 года назад

You mention in this video the rapid tongs work great for lighter work and quick for heavier work. Is there a general size range for rapid and quick tongs? Most of my work is 1/2 and smaller though some tooling will be closer to 1½-2 would rapid tongs work for most of it and maybe a pair of quick bolt Jaws for the tooling? Great videos keep up the good work

@scarface-39 4 года назад

👍

@49michaelt 4 года назад

If you don't have another pair of tongs to hold the tong halves finish the jaw end first then bolt a piece of small flat bar to the rivet hole to draw out and round off the reins.

@49michaelt 4 года назад

Also fyi shipping is free from Ken's if you spend 200 bucks.

@BlackBearForge 4 года назад

Good idea

@jamesbrandon8520 6 лет назад

Great video I’ve been looking at these tongs for a while but what I really want is his smaller power hammer the mz75 I believe. By the way the only pair of tongs I’ve bought to date are from blacksmithsdepot.com and they are the off-center brand they make and they the universal v-bit tongs and they are my favorite tongs, they hold 1/4” round or square up to 1/2” round or square if not more but they also hold angle iron and pipe they are awesome I’ve never seen a pair of tongs like them any where else, keep showing the tong videos I’m looking forward to the slot jaw tongs

@BlackBearForge 6 лет назад

I have quite a few set of the Off Center tongs. They are quite well made. But if you haven't made your own or need some on a budget, I think Kens are a great option. If I were i the market for a new power hammer I would be looking very seriously at his larger model. It is similar to the one I have, but I think it is probably better made. For a smaller shop the 75 would be a great choice.