Just realized I've been using my forge tongs wrong for about five years

I was watching a video from a smith in Germany and saw he held his tongs way back on the reins, almost at the very end. I always gripped them right behind the hinge, thinking I had more control. Tried his way on a 2-inch square bar yesterday and the difference was huge. The extra leverage made the work feel half as heavy and my wrist stopped aching after an hour. I can't believe I fought my tools for so long. How many other basic things are we all doing the hard way without knowing it?

4 comments

4 Comments

vera291mo ago

Ever have that moment with a simple kitchen knife? I held mine wrong for ages, death grip right on the handle... my hand would cramp up so bad. Someone showed me to pinch the blade right where it meets the handle and it was a total game changer.

fisher.jessica1mo ago

My friend chopped onions for years with a white knuckle grip.

the_alex1mo ago

Just realized I've been doing the same thing.

fionamurphy11d ago

Ever try a rocking motion instead of just chopping?