Hammer. Sledge Hammer. Set Hammers. Vice. Anvil. Tongs. File.
The anvil, on which the iron is beaten into shape, the bench, fitted with a vice for holding such portions of the work as require the file, the tongs, with which the red hot metal is held, the sledge hammer, and the set hammers, are the principal tools.
Callipers. Compasses. Heading Tools. Gauges. Square. Bottom Tool.
The sledge hammer is used for beating the metal until it is tempered and easily formed into shape, and it is in the tempering of the metal by beating that the great skill of the Smith is often displayed. The set hammers are used for setting out the work, and have heads of different shapes, according to the form which the metal is required to assume. The various gauges are placed upon the anvil for the similar purpose of shaping the work, and the callipers, compasses, and square, measuring and adjusting it. The heading tools consist of cutting, punching, and stamping instruments, and are probably so called, because they are furnished with heads to receive the blows of the heavy hammer, by which they are forced into the hot metal on the anvil.
Double Hooks. Punch. Slice. Fire Irons.
These heading tools are held, not by handles of their own, which would break off with the concussion of the hammer, but by a sort of withe of birch, or some other tree fastened loosely round them at their heads, and bound by a ring to keep them from parting. The punch is used in making bolts or rivets, the slice and fire irons for arranging the fuel in the furnace, and removing small articles after they are heated, the double hooks for removing or suspending bars, and for some other purposes.