My tongs are actually copper pliers that I made one day out of 6
guage square wire taken from an ancient portable electrical
generator that had been in a fire. I wouldn’t hesitate to take 4
gauge round wire and either hammer it square or run it through a
roller to make it square.
Cut the wire into two appropriate lengths, put them together in a
shallow “X”, give the cross section a whack or two with a heavy
hammer. Drill a small hole through each piece at the center of the
“X” and lightly rivet them together with copper wire of the same
diameter of the drill hole. Now you are free to shape the handles and
the jaw ends however you wish. I’ve had them for over 18 years. Still
use 'em.
You can refine the intersection of the “X” with a file for a greater
range of scissor motion.
TL Goodwin
Lapidary/Metalsmith
http://thepacifikimagestore.com