Anvil hardy clasp

[Philip Davies]

I was not sure what to call this, nor knew whether it would be useful, although first impressions are favourable. I became so annoyed with stock or tools falling off the anvil, that I felt something was needed to retain things. This is especially so when I have to shift the grip on something awkward,eg

This is a billet of canister “Damascus”, quite as large as I can manage, but if it falls off, it’s not easy to pick up, and in the mean time, it may well melt the blower cable, still dancing keeps me fit, which is how i avoid it landing on my slippers.
The canister is simply a 8” length of 2 x 2 box section, packed with springs, already flattened and tumbled, rammed down with swarf and iron filings, then the ends folded over and welded. What I am aiming for is a fairly loose conglomeration,
egThis would be no good for any tool of course, but I like the texture, which resembles fossils, perhaps.

From the colour you wouldn’t think it had had a good pounding, but it is wedged in fairly well, but not so tight that it can’t be easily picked up.
The clasp is simply made from a 2’ 6” length of 1” x 1/4”bar

You might be able to see that I have twisted the arms slightly to form an inverted V when in the hardy hole. It’s a slop fit.
I thought too that the clasp would retain tongs or hammer ready for use, rather than leave them in the fire or on the bench