Hardy tools, also known as anvil tools or bottom tools, are metalworking

Metalworking

Metalworking is the process of working with metals to create individual parts, assemblies, or large scale structures. The term covers a wide range of work from large ships and bridges to precise engine parts and delicate jewelry. It therefore includes a correspondingly wide range of skills,...

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Tool

A tool is a device that can be used to produce an item or achieve a task, but that is not consumed in the process. Informally the word is also used to describe a procedure or process with a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such...

s used in anvil

Anvil

An anvil is a basic tool, a block with a hard surface on which another object is struck. The inertia of the anvil allows the energy of the striking tool to be transferred to the work piece. In most cases the anvil is used as a forging tool...

s. A hardy has a square shank, which prevents it from rotating when placed in the anvil's hardy hole. The term "hardy", used alone, refers to a hot cutting chisel used in the square hole of the anvil. Other bottom tools are identified by function. Typical hardy tools include chisels and bending drifts. They are generally used with a matching top tool

Set tools

A set tool is a blacksmithing tool meant to be struck by a hammer, either a sledge or power. Set tools are usually made with a handle to keep the smith a safe distance from the action. Set tools for the anvil, where they are struck with a sledgehammer, often have a wooden handle set into the head...

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Different hardy tools are used to form and cut metal. The swage is used to make metal round for final use as nails, bolts, rods or rivets. The fuller is used to help bend metal, and make dents and shoulders. Many hardy shapes have corresponding hammer shapes to help form metal, for example a "V"-shaped fuller is used with an inverted "V"-shaped hammer to form iron into an angle shape.