Tool that sharpens steel like a pencil tip?

Billy NY

Well-known Member
What kind of simple tool is there to sharpen round stock type metal, into a sharp point like a pencil? I'm wondering what is used initially when they build the tool below. (see link)

Seems I need to sharpen the ends on my lockhart firwood gripper, and they seemed to have changed the point, but I am still curious, must be something like a lathe, or mill set up for it ?

Below is for the benefit of anyone handling firewood:

Originally, on earlier models of this tool, like mine it was a symmetrical point, it now appears its been changed, so maybe I'll do that with a file on mine, has to be sharp and dig in, or you had best watch your feet !!!

Great tool for handling firewood logs before split, after that I don't handle them off the ground. One does need to learn its rules, and one is keeping the point sharp and at the right angle so it catches but good. Once you learn how to use this handy tool, I'd not be without one for putting logs onto the splitter beam/table, for most wood, larger ones I use the bucket or tilt the beam up to halve them first. I use a green one 15"-18", and with 16" wood I can toss the log out of it, one does have to be cognizant of their feet and shoulder, but it gives you a handle to lift from so you don't bend all the way over. Sometimes you have to hand tap the point to sink in enough, well if dull or wrong angle. It'll lift a heavy log all the way up to bending the hook end if you try one too heavy, I thought it would break, it would not, meets my criteria LOL! Simple and Effective!
Lockhart Firewood Gripper

Video of this tool in use
 
Interesting tool, Billy--I'd guess they just grind the points on, probably with a jig. Can't tell for sure from the picture, but it looks like the points are discolored, possibly from grinding, though it's also possible they tempered them, which would also cause the discoloration. I'd probably do just what you said and use a file to get them to where I wanted them.
 
I use a bench grinder and a drill to spin it and hold it so the angle is as I want. I have made a few can't hooks that way and they have worked well
 
Probably easiest, have an old bench grinder, stationary belt sander would be just as good, I was just wondering how the manufacturer did it, new ones look like a flat point,not round anyway, whatever works best actually, dangerous tool if these are not set right, heavy dense or hard logs sometimes don't allow the point to sink in as needed.

I remember you were making one of these or did, repaired or similar, there is a video of a young person making one with some interesting methods, he made a Peavey, apparently has a bunch of other videos on you tube, was fun to watch how he did it, the short version is posted below.
Home Made Log Peavey
 
Being on dial up I can not go to that due to super slow speeds. I have made a few Can't hooks and all depended on how I felt at the time as to how is made the point on them. I have used the grinder on some and on others used the chop saw and cut the point that way. Have also hammered a point on one using the torch to get the bar red hot then hammer and reheat as needed.
 
Probably easiest, have an old bench grinder, stationary belt sander per what steve said would be just as good. I was just wondering how the manufacturer actually did it, new ones look like a flat point, not round anyway, whatever works best it's dangerous tool if these are not set right, heavy dense or hard logs sometimes don't allow the point to sink in as needed.

I remember you were making one of these or did, repaired or similar, there is a video of a young person making one with some interesting methods, he made a Peavey, apparently has a bunch of other videos on you tube, was fun to watch how he did it, the short version is posted below.

Nice end result, one could add a point like the Peavey Mfg timber jack has, on it, but thats a matter of preference, can't, peavey or timber jack, all back savers for sure !
Home Made Log Peavey
 
Looks to me they just cut the rod at a 45 degree angle.
Grinder with a zip disc will do the trick.

That thing looks to me more like a PITA than being useful.
 
The firewood gripper ? Might be to some actually, there is a lot of different preferences and tools to consider and use, so I can see that being true in some cases. I tried one out, works well for me actually, just keep the points right though. Will be ordering a pair + one soon to match the other, seemed like a gimmick, but it does work really well, and yes I have dropped a log or 2 not having set the point well enough, can happen, so you carry a log to the right of your leg or both, never over your feet. Same principle as the tool used for handling a stack of brick.

If you mean the peavey below, I prefer the Peavey Manufacturing timber jack, for handling logs and bucking at times.
 
Heat and beat is the fool proof way to sharpen tongs, best in a forge bug a torch will work.
 

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