In the world of blacksmithing there’s always a discussion about which anvil attachment to use: Pin Detent or Friction Ring. Purists will tell you they likes the sound of a positive stop. Those who prefer friction ring will say it allow for adjustment.
Each side will argue that their option provides the most precise, safe and quickest way to strike hot steel. What works for one smith may not be right than another. It realy comes down to your approach and what matters to you as you are working with hot steel.
The type of anvil attachment that you choose makes a big difference in your work flow. How well does it holds your implements? How fast is it to swap from one tool to another?
How much noise does it make in your workshop? While that may not be important if you are new to forge work and still need to buy the anvil, after you get into regular hammer use, how the anvil and tool connect will became a key piece of your rhythm. Having the wrong connection can lead to frustration and a lack of hand safety.
Choosing Between Pin Detent and Friction Rings
Pin Detent Anvil Attachments
It is a mechanical lock. Many smiths prefers the reassurance of a mechanical lock called a pin detent system. It’s simply a pin or ball bearing held in place with a spring and it snaps into its matching hole on tool holder.
As you slide your tongs or hammer into place, there is no mistaking that solid feel of it being properly seated. There is something to be said for tactile feedback, especially when you’re working fast or under pressure on a tricky project where adrenaline are flowing. With a pin detent system, you know without question whether the handle has been fully slipped into place.
Security, So what does that mean? The main benefit to a pin detent is that it holds your tools securely to the anvil. And that’s important if you’re swinging some haymakers.
Nothing is worse than having your hammer slip out and either hurt yourself or ruin the face of your anvil. For this reason many brands including Farrier Forge and several custom blacksmith fabricators will puts them on their heavy duty anvils. In other words, they want it secure at any cost.
But there’s a downside to that, speed. The other thing about switching tools with a pin detent is that you have to consciously engage in a different task to do so. Before you take off one tool, you need to disengage the pin by pushing the lever/button then releasing the tool.
That’s just another half-second (or less) between changes. If you’re decorating some fancy iron work, no big deal. If you’re on a fast-paced shoeing gig where time equals money, this may interrupt your thought process a bit.
Also, some smiths say that this mechanism tends to get dirty with dust or scale over time. A regular cleaning will keep that satisfying click for you. The other category of retention is called friction ring systems.
Friction Ring Systems
These are not mechanical locks but rather use a piece of thick nylon or leather that functions as a ring that compresses around the handle of your tools when you insert it. There is no spring, no button, and no click. It is just pure mechanical pressure holding the tool in place.
Many old-school blacksmiths and farriers prefers this type of system because it’s simple, silent, and has no moving parts which can fail. Friction rings are popular because they allow for quick tool changes. Grabbing a different implement and slamming it into position without any fiddling around with a release mechanism is realy nice.
When you’re making a bunch of adjustments or working through a series of similar shapes, this flow state is priceless. With a friction ring, your mind stays on the metal instead of the tool holder. It’s a smooth transition that maintains the rhythm in your swing and the heat on the steel.
But what happens over time? The friction ring doesn’t stay in place. Nylon breaks down, leather stretches out, and hot weather will change the properties of the materials.
What was snug on Day 1 may end up slipping off in Month 3, particularly when working with worn-out or smooth-handle tool. To keep things safe, you’ll have to retighten or replace the ring from time to time. And should it become slack enough to pop free when the tool hits a load, it can be a serious hazard.
Choosing the Right Anvil Attachment
The trade-off for this convenience is something you’ll pay for, repeatedly. It’s realy up to what you think is most important: speed or control? A pin detent system guarantee that your tool isn’t going anywhere.
You might value that more than a quicker, quieter system that requires occasional cleaning and maintenance. A friction ring works well for you. Lots of new anvils has both available from Farrier Forge, Anvil Co., and many others.
Try them out if you’re able. Feel the click of the pin and the squeeze of the ring. They’ll let you know which one is for you.