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How to Build a Cattle Slaughter Hook

Building your own cattle slaughter hook involves a simple exercise in blacksmithing. If you do not have any experience in blacksmithing, worry not, this is an introduction level activity into the art of metalworking. With basic materials and section of steel rod, you can quickly and effectively manufacture a versatile hook perfect for the application of slaughtering cattle. Framing an "S" shaped hook with either end pointed will allow you to hang animals on any overhead pole or hook.

Things You'll Need

Steel rod (about 30 inches long)
Forge
Anvil
Hammer (sledge)
Tongs
Water
Grinding stone

Instructions

- 1
  Light your forge. Once it has reached operating temperature, place your length of steel rod into the forge.
- 2
  Remove the steel rod from the forge using some tongs once it has developed a red hot hue. Hold the rod firmly in the center with one hand, and with the other, tap the end of the rod around the horn of your anvil with the hammer. When the rod cools to a less than red hue, replace it into the forge.
- 3
  Form the other end of the hook in a similar fashion as in Step 3. Notice that the tapered anvil horn allows for you to make different size hooks and customize the arc of the hook as you like. The hook should mirror the first in an opposite direction, forming an "S" shape when laid flat on a table.
- 4
  Submerse the hot metal hook in water to cool it when you have formed the desired shape. This will harden the steel and help to keep the shape of the hook permanently.
- 5
  Grind the two ends of your hook on a rotating grinding wheel to a fine point to allow for the easy insertion of either end of the hook into your carcass. You can hook the other end onto an overhead pole, chain, hook or any other fixed surface.

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