Fullers, Flatters & Swages

Fullers and Swages are made in various sizes and have rounded edges. The larger sizes are normally handled. Like Flatters, the are positioned over the work piece and then struck with a sledge hammer or other hammer. Fullers and Swages are normally made in pairs with a top and bottom tool. The Fuller has convex  faces and the Swage has a concave face. The bottom fits into the tool hole of the anvil. Fullers are used for setting down shoulders in preparation for forging tenons and for drawing or moving metal in one direction.  Swages are commonly uniform in shape and are for forming round stock to size after forging.  In some cases top and bottom tools are hinged or fastened together by a spring strap or rod called a Spring Swage. These can be useful when a smith is working alone.   Both are also used at power hammers and on fly presses.

Flatters have flat faces with sharp or rounded edges and are positioned on the work piece and struck with a sledge hammer or other hammer. The set hammer is most often used for setting in shoulders, while the flatter is a good finishing tool and should be used specifically to leave a good finish on flat surfaces.