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I decided to make use of the rusty rail road spikes that have been sitting in that old coffee can. Every time I knock the can over by accident, I think to myself : I should make something with those. So the day has finally come. Lets Make a Door Knocker.

This project has 2 pieces, the spike will be the knocker, and there will be a flat bar mounted to the door. I started scrolling the end of the bar , which will be the bottom. This is mild steel with the dimensions of 3/16 x 1-1/4″ x 14″ long.

I cut the top end at an angle to same some hammer time. a set of Knife Making tongs worked great for holding this stock when it was hot.

Here I am forging the taper that will be the hook that holds the Rail Road Spike in place. It will fit loose to let the spike swing freely.

After the tapering out the end of the rail road spike, I made the hook at the end. This will be where the knocker hangs from.

After The hook was finished, I went to the Blacksmith Leg Vise and twisted the spike.

Now it is time for the assembly. My small propane torch with map gas worked for heating up the small end that will hold the spike. A twist with my lucky pliers and the 2 pieces are joined forever.

Almost all of the things I make in my forge get a brush full of vegetable oil the finish the project. The key is the temperature. If its to cold when applied, it wont soak into the steel. If the steel is to hot, It will smoke like craze, may catch on fire, and leave a brown ugly residue that is very sticky to the touch.

If you are going to try this project, I would suggest you finish everything on the same day. Stay focused so you will have a completed piece to hang on your door. I, of course, I didn’t do that. I completed one task every month or so, dragging this simple project out as long as possible. Luckily I was able to find the Rail Road Spike, that was laying on the floor for a few weeks. However, now I can gladly say that this project is complete.

You can watch the video of this project here.