A list of basic tools and equipment for the rural blacksmith with a brief description of their use.

Basic English Vocabulary for Blacksmithing Tools & Equipment

Used to drive air into the fire so that the fuel will burn at the high temperatures needed for forging steel.

The place where the blacksmith's fire is made.

A block of hard metal ( or stone) on which the blacksmith hammers metal into shape.

The work area of the blacksmith. This word can be used to describe the whole workshop or just the hearth and bellows.

A heavy hammer, normally used two-handed by the blacksmith's assistant.

The hammer used by the blacksmith for most forging operations. It has one flat face and a peen as illustrated.

Used instead of a drill to make holes in metal.

Used to cut hot metal. This tool is not hardened in any way and should never be used to cut cold metal.

Used to cut cold mild steel. This tool is hardened and tempered and should never be used on hot metal.

Type of hot chisel with long handle, usually struck with a sledgehammer. This tool is not hardened in any way and should never be used to cut cold metal.

Type of cold chisel with a long handle for heavy cutting. This tool is hardened and tempered and should never be used on hot metal.

Used to hold hot metal while it is being worked upon.

Used to make grooves in hot metal. A roundsection piece of mild steel bar can be used as a simple top fuller.

Normally used with a top fuller, the bottom fuller rests on the anvil and is used to form a groove on the underside of the hot metal.

Used to clean up and sharpen many of the products of the blacksmith. Old files should be kept and used for hot-filing.

Used for quenching metal during the hardening and tempering process. For most jobs a bucket can be used.