Tongs

There may be occasions when you need to remove hot objects from a fire such as a hot nail or pot. A useful tool for this purpose is a pair of tongs. These can be made easily from a tree branch.

Fig. 48

You will need the following materials:

One straight branch

Length: Not less than 17 cm

Circumference: Between 8 and 9 cm

One nail, 4 cm long

Saw

Hammer

Chisel

Four wood holders

Bench Hook

Making the Tongs

Secure the branch to a tree or log with wood holders. Make a cut 13 cm in length in the branch, as shown.

Fig. 49

Now remove the branch from the wood holders. Cut off the extra wood at the other end, so your piece is 17 cm long. Again, hold the branch with wood holders this time with the end with the 13 cm cut down. The end that is up should now be cut to a depth of 4 cm at right angles to the 13 cm cut. The diagrams illustrate these cuts.

Actual Size

Fig. 50

Use your chisel and hammer to chip away at point "A" as shown in the diagram. Chisel a little away at a time. Do this until the cuts are connected. Turn the branch over and do the same thing to connect the two cuts on the other side.

Fig. 51

At this point you should be able to pull the branch apart into two pieces as shown in the diagram.

Fig. 52

With a drill, make a hole through both pieces. Put a nail through these two holes. Bend the pointed end of the nail. '[our tongs are now completed.

Fig. 53