The Pritchel Hole is just a round hole on the face of the anvil. On the far end away from the horn.

It is a very useful thing for a blacksmith and it has a couple of great uses. First off you can use it to pierce holes in your work. And secondly you can use it as a holder for tools; most notably it is great for a type of clamp.

The best way to show you about this hole is in a video. Below you can watch a video on how the pritchel hole is used.

and here is a picture showing how a clamp is used in the hole.

New Blacksmithing Project: Make an easy Pritchel Hole Clamp - terrific little tool for holding items down on the anvil and it is easy to make. The Pritchel Hole Clamp

The Complete Modern Blacksmith

A truly unusual and unique resource, this extremely hands-on book brings together three popular but long-out-of-print classics (THE MODERN BLACKSMITH; THE RECYCLING, USE, AND REPAIR OF TOOLS; and THE MAKING OF TOOLS) essential for anyone interested in the making, repair, maintenance, or arcana of tools. An essential volume in any serious craftperson's library, this book covers setting up a smithy (anvil, forge, hammer, tongs, and all), and manufacturing everything from stone-carving chisels to decorative wall hooks.

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