Rustic forged tongs for medieval re-enactment
Forged tongs are among the oldest tools known to mankind – and in the Middle Ages they were indispensable in every smithy, every armourer’s workshop and many other craft workshops. Anyone setting up an authentic medieval encampment, demonstrating chainmail repairs or showcasing historical blacksmithing will find hand-forged tongs here that closely resemble historical models in both form and craftsmanship.
Pliers in medieval craftsmanship – history and significance
Pliers are among the oldest known tools of mankind. Archaeological finds attest to their use since the Bronze Age – for as soon as metal had to be heated in a fire and worked, a tool was needed to hold the glowing piece securely without burning the hands. The first forms of tongs probably emerged in the early metalworking cultures of the Middle East and Europe, when craftsmen began to forge copper and bronze. This makes the tong one of the earliest tools directly linked to the requirements of metalworking.
In the Middle Ages, pliers were indispensable in every smithy. Blacksmiths, armourers and nail smiths used various types of pliers for different tasks: coarse fire tongs for heavy forging work on the anvil, finer types for precise work on armour parts and chain mail. Medieval book illustrations – such as those from the house books of the Zwölfbrüderstiftung or the Tacuinum Sanitatis – regularly depict craftsmen at work with pliers. The pliers are thus not merely a generic decorative item, but a documented, iconic tool of medieval craftsmanship.
Types of pliers and their functions – What forms existed in the Middle Ages?
Flat-jawed pliers
The flat-nose pliers hold blades, fittings and sheet metal parts securely in place. With their parallel, flat jaws, they are the most versatile tool in the smithy – and are available in two lengths (31 cm and 40 cm).
Chain-making pliers
The compact chainmail pliers (approx. 21 cm) were specially developed for chainmail production. Their flat heads and riveted joint allow for precise gripping and bending of individual rings and rivets.
Bend pliers / Rivet pliers
The bending pliers with twisted handles (approx. 36 cm) feature twisted handle bars – historically documented and immediately recognisable as a blacksmith’s tool. Riveting pliers for wedge rivets (triangular rivets) or round rivet heads are specially designed for chainmail repairs. Large blacksmith’s tongs are also known as fire tongs in the smithy and are named after the shape of their jaws: flat-jawed, wolf-jawed or round-jawed.
Materials and manufacture – What makes a hand-forged pair of tongs special?
| Feature | Historical / Hand-forged | Industrial production |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon steel / Iron | Stainless steel / Alloys |
| Joint | Riveted (historically accurate) | Welded or stamped |
| Handle bars | Twisted (turned) | Smooth, machine-milled |
| Surface | Slight irregularities | Uniform, standardised |
| Dimensional accuracy | Single piece with natural variations | Standard tolerance ± 0.1 mm |
Carbon steel and iron are the historically correct materials – stainless steel was only developed in the 20th century and has no place in an authentic re-enactment context. The riveted joint is not only historically authentic but also mechanically robust. Twisted handle bars – i.e. spiral patterns created by twisting the metal – are found in archaeological finds as well as in medieval depictions. Slight irregularities in shape and surface are not flaws, but the inevitable hallmark of genuine craftsmanship: every pair of pliers is a unique piece.
Uses in re-enactment – What do you need medieval pliers for?
In camp reenactments and living history, blacksmiths and craftspeople need authentic tools as a visible part of their equipment. A hand-forged pair of pliers on the tool bench or at the anvil makes the difference between a credible scene and a prop from a craft shop. For film, theatre and museum displays, these pieces serve as visually convincing tools – whether in the background of a smithy set or actively in the hand of a performer.
Anyone who makes or repairs chainmail or chain-link pieces themselves can actually use the riveting pliers in this category in practical applications – they are functional, not merely decorative. The fire tongs function around the campfire is another classic use: moving embers, gripping pieces of wood, holding hot metal. The picture is complemented by forged cooking accessories, candlesticks and hooks, nails and fittings from the same range of forged goods – for a consistent overall artisanal look in the military camp.
Overview: Which tongs are in the range?
The Sarwürk pliers (21 cm) are the smallest and most specialised type in the range – ideal for chain mail work. The rivet pliers for round rivet heads complement them for precise repairs to chain mail armour.
The flat-head pliers in 31 cm and 40 cm, made of carbon steel with a riveted joint, cover the majority of craft requirements. The bow-shaped pliers with twisted handles (approx. 36 cm) are both decorative and functional – a real eye-catcher in the workshop. The rivet pliers for wedge rivets and the forged iron pliers (32 cm) with twisted handles and claw-shaped gripping surfaces round off this range.
The hand-forged blacksmith’s tongs (approx. 39 cm) and the forged iron tongs (32 cm) with twisted handles are the heaviest items in the range. All items are priced between €12.60 and €19.32 – handcrafted without any marketing mark-up.
Medieval tools in context – What tools were used in the Middle Ages?
Pliers were just one part of the medieval range of tools. Blacksmiths worked with anvils, hammers, bellows, pliers and grindstones – a complete system of interlocking tools, in which each piece had a clearly defined task. Hammers, chisels, files, drills and shears completed the arsenal in the smithy and in the craftsmen’s workshops. Medieval shears are also available as hand-forged pieces and fit seamlessly into an authentic set of tools.
Chainmail makers – the specialists in chain mail – required not only tongs but also riveting hammers, ring scrapers and gauges. Sources such as the account books of the Zwölfbrüderstiftung or the Tacuinum Sanitatis document these trades with astonishing detail and reveal which tools were actually in use. However, tongs were also used far beyond the smithy: potters, carpenters and cooks relied on tong-like tools in their daily work. The fire tongs by the hearth – used to move embers and logs – were commonplace in medieval kitchens and campfires. Anyone setting up a complete medieval camp will find many complementary items in the smithy goods section.
Care and storage of hand-forged iron tongs
Carbon steel and iron rust when exposed to moisture – this is not a weakness, but the nature of the material. Regular oiling with linseed oil or weapon oil reliably protects the surface. A thin film of oil after each use is sufficient to prevent surface rust. If rust has already formed, it can be easily removed with fine sandpaper followed by oiling – light surface rust is not a quality issue, but a sign of genuine ironwork.
Hand-forged pliers should be stored in a dry place – ideally hung on a tool board or in a closed container with a desiccant. Direct sources of moisture such as cellar floors or damp tent bags should be avoided. A deliberately cultivated rust patina can even enhance the authentic appearance in storage – evenly distributed rust gives the piece a convincingly aged look.
The riveted joint should be lubricated with a drop of oil from time to time during active use to ensure the pliers remain flexible and the rivet is not blocked by rust. A seized joint can be loosened by soaking it in oil and moving it carefully – using force may damage the rivet.
Hand-forged items are not precision tools in the industrial sense. Minor variations in length, weight and jaw width between individual pieces are normal and unavoidable – they result from manual production over the fire. Anyone buying two riveting pliers for chainmail work should be aware that the two pieces may differ slightly from one another.
Whether you’re creating an authentic blacksmith’s atmosphere for your army camp, working with chainmail rings and rivets, or simply looking for well-crafted medieval tools for your reenactment – in this category you’ll find hand-forged tongs in various shapes and lengths at fair prices ranging from €12.60 to €19.32.
Frequently asked questions
Sarwürker pliers are compact blacksmith’s pliers specially designed for the manufacture and repair of chain mail. With their flat jaws and riveted joint, individual rings can be held, bent and riveted with precision. In re-enactment, they are used by performers demonstrating the manufacture or repair of chain mail.
Most pliers in this category are fully functional and can actually be used – such as the riveting pliers for chainmail work or the flat-nose pliers for general craftwork. They are hand-forged, one-off pieces made of carbon steel with a riveted joint; they are not purely decorative items. Minor dimensional variations between individual items are normal and do not constitute a quality defect.
Carbon steel and iron rust when exposed to moisture – regular oiling with linseed oil or weapon oil reliably protects the surface. Store the pliers in a dry place, ideally hung up or in a closed container. Any surface rust that forms can be easily removed with fine sanding fleece followed by oiling. An even rust patina can even lend a more authentic appearance when stored.
For beginners, we recommend the flat-head pliers in 31 cm or 40 cm – this is the most versatile shape and suits almost any craft-based camp setup. Those wishing to repair or make chain mail specifically should opt for the chain mail pliers (21 cm) or one of the riveting pliers. The bow-shaped pliers with a twisted handle are a good choice if a decorative aspect is desired in addition to functionality.
Hand-forged pliers fit best into an ensemble of other forged items: candlesticks, hooks, nails and fittings from the same range ensure a harmonious appearance in the military camp. For a complete cooking area display, cauldrons, tripods and grates from the cooking area accessories range are ideal. Those demonstrating chainmail work can complement the pliers with chainmail rings and related accessories.