When the work is finished the temperature of the metal should be low. This prevents the metal from scaling and gives an opportunity for a smooth finished surface.
HOW TO MAKE A STAPLE
Staple
Staples are small U-shaped pieces of iron with pointed ends. They are driven into wood for the purpose of holding some attachment in place. We have staples for barn doors, to catch the gate hook, to fasten chains, etc.
Material: One piece of 1⁄4-in. round iron 41⁄2 ins. long.
Directions: Heat one end of the iron piece. Draw it to a square point as was done on the staple pin. Flatten this point as shown in the drawing. Cut it off square at the extreme end so that it will be quite sharp when finished. Repeat on the other end. The piece will now be about 61⁄4 ins. long, about 1⁄4 in. round in the middle, with square, tapering points. The centre is now heated and the piece is bent over the horn of the anvil to the shape shown in the drawing.
In bending this over the horn of the anvil strike with light blows so that the two ends will be the same length. If it is warped or twisted, flatten it out again on the anvil till the flat sides lie in the same plane.
GATE HOOK
This hook is used for fastening doors as well as gates. The drawing shows a gate hook twisted in the middle. Material: One piece of 5⁄16-in. square iron about 61⁄4 ins. long.