Metalworking tools are normally larger and stronger than other tools. The tools for metal work are used under high temperature. They must endure the temperature and pressure. Tongs are usually used to place the metals in the furnaces. It cannot be avoided to have the tools heated up, too. At present, there are many kinds of tools used for metal work and each one of them has their own capacities and features.

History
The exact date when the first metal work tool is created is unknown. However, melting metals using fire is already being done thousands of years ago. Most metals except gold must be heated up in order to remove the rocks binding the metals, which are usually found underneath the earth’s surface.

There were the early blacksmiths who use iron to make artworks. Other metal workers also create fences and pokers using a variety of metals mostly steel and iron. Other first metals to be discovered are mercury, gold, copper, silver, tin and lead. These metals have different oxidation potential. This is the main reason why they require different procedures of metal work.

Importance
The importance of tools for metal work is extremely high. They need to be durable, too. Otherwise, they are useless. The metal working tools are not only important in for putting the metals in their right places. They are also important in protecting the metal workers.

Since metal works usually involve extreme temperature, the tools for metal work need to be heat resistant. In fact, it is advisable to consider the heat requirements of metal work when choosing the tools.

Most metal working tools can be created by the metal workers. After all most metal working tools are made using other metals. When forging metal working tools, one should give attention to the tool’s colour when heating. A red or orange colour means that the tool can already be hammered. Tools that are white in colour means extreme hotness. In addition, some tools can be hardened using oil whilst other tools will harden only by soaking them to water.

Purpose
The purpose of tools for metal work is to create items out of metal. Since most of the metals are treated with the use of heat, one of the purposes of metal work tools is to help the workers hold and support the metals. Obviously, the workers cannot hold the metals by hand.

Examples
One of the most commonly used tools for metal work is the long handled tongs. They are used to grip and lift tools. Pliers are another common type of metal work tools. They are used to hold hot metals usually during casting. Other examples of metal work tools also involve hacksaw, punch, mallet, pipe bender, wrench and clamps.

Classification
The classification of metal work tools are usually based on its use or in what process of metal work it is used. For instance, tools that are used for cutting metals are called cutting tools. Likewise, tools used to weld the metals are called welding metals.

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