Making tongs from rebar: the first tool every smith should make

@benchtop_bea · Sep 12, 2026 · 3.8k views
Difficultymedium
Time2 hours
Costfree

Rebar is bad steel for most things but fine for tongs. Flatten the jaw end, set down a shoulder for the boss, draw out the rein, punch or drill the boss, rivet two halves together hot and work them open and closed while the rivet is still red so they move freely. Then fit the jaws to the stock you actually use by heating and closing them on it.

It takes a few tries. Your first pair will be ugly and you will use them for years.

#tongs#blacksmithing#rebar#tool-making

22 💬 7 comments

7 comments

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@moldmaker_mina 1mo ago

Great find. Did not know this channel existed.

12
@benchtop_bea OP 1mo ago

Should be the same procedure, the part moved slightly but the steps match.

5
@sawdust_sam 1mo ago

The "what went wrong" section is the most useful part of this. More people should do that.

5
@benchtop_bea OP 1mo ago

Yep, same here. The second time is always faster.

1
@solderpunk 1mo ago

Question: do you need to disconnect power for this or is it safe to leave it plugged in?

3
@benchtop_bea OP 1mo ago

Bookmarking. I have exactly this problem and was about to pay someone.

1
@arc_annie 1mo ago

This is the kind of post that makes this place worth it.

1

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