In welding, the piece is caught by the ring with a flat pair of tongs. See [Figure 63]. It is now placed in the fire so as to get the heat close to the ring. The tongs are then removed, until the piece reaches a white heat; the piece is again caught with the tongs, and the heat is raised. It is taken out and set on the edge of the anvil and hammered as shown in [Figure 64]. The first blow struck is close to the ring in order to weld that part first. If it cannot be all welded in one heat, it should be reheated at once. Do not hammer unless the heat is a welding heat, as the stock will become too thin before it is welded. Do not heat the tongs red as this destroys them and the piece cannot be held with hot tongs. When the ring is welded, the end is drawn to a square point. See [Figure 65].
Fig. 64. Fig. 65.
CHAPTER IV.
Staples—Open Links—Welded Chain Links—Punching—A Grab Hook.
Exercise No. 6.
Staples are used for hasps, gate hooks, and for various other purposes. They are made from all sizes of stock, depending on the use to which they are put. On account of its pliability, soft steel is the best stock to use in making staples.
