Ironworker's Tool

This spatula-like iron tool may have been used to help direct the flow of molten iron when 'tapping' a blast furnace. It was found during excavations at the site of the Summerlee Iron Works.

When the molten iron was released from the furnace it flowed through channels into prepared sand moulds. Tools like this would be used to keep the slowly-cooling iron flowing and make sure enough was flowing into each mould.

The Summerlee Iron Works archaeological site at Summerlee Museum is now a Scheduled Monument.