Logging tongs

[escavader]

Hi,
Have a set on a hand winch I use to lift rounds up on my spliter.They work great if you have 2people one holds them on the round until it starts to lift.problem is by myself it doesn't work so good .i tap them in best I can but sometimes they come off until I get a tension on the cable.any one ever tried to attach a spring to keep them taught or does any one have another idea?

 

[gwdixon]

You might have "skidder" tongs instead of "lifting tongs". Lifting tongs have the gripping points angled quite a bit to dig into the bark when the log's weight is applied. A round may not have enough weight to activate the points. I use a small two-pound drilling hammer to convince the points into the log if it becomes an issue. Also, every once in a while the points will be sharpened. It is amazing how much better they hold when sharp.

A photo of your tongs would help.

Also, rounds tend to be difficult to handle with tongs unless they are used vertically on the end of the log. Using them horizontally in the center seems to cause the round to spin off the tong every time.

 

[murphy1244]

Hi,
Have a set on a hand winch I use to lift rounds up on my spliter.They work great if you have 2people one holds them on the round until it starts to lift.problem is by myself it doesn't work so good .i tap them in best I can but sometimes they come off until I get a tension on the cable.any one ever tried to attach a spring to keep them taught or does any one have another idea?

Good idea, maybe a large rubber band?

 

[Ed of all trades]

I just sharpened mine and it help a lot. I use mine hooked to a chain on my loader. Have no problems now.

 

[2458n]

Somehow I have collected several of the tongs including one that has handles supposed used for railroad ties. With large rounds and using the biggest set I drive one side in the round with a pin hammer [sledge hammer with cut down handle] as log as one side is in the wood the other will catch when picking with the bucket and chain.

 

[escavader]

Heres tonghts pics it actually worked good on maple it doesnt stay in ash well i never lost a round tonight ive also learned to hook low to ground so its constantly pulling .any more thoughts its a little time consuming to tap the hooks in but sure in heck saves on the back

 

[bcp]

I think your tongs are about one size too small. Hooks point down a bit in the second photo.

Bruce

 

[Scooby074]

Id modify them with a spring. I know the ones used to grub brush are spring loaded and have a pretty decent bite.

 

[escavader]

How do you tell what size you have (measure)?its 16 inch wood what size to get?

 

[cqaigy2]

I think your tongs are about one size too small. Hooks point down a bit in the second photo.

Bruce

I'd have to agree with Bruce. You can see the tips on your tongs would let the round slip out. The tips should point toward the pull so that they seat deeper into the wood, the more pressure that is applied.

 

[Scooby074]

I have a set of Husquvarna (I think) hand tongs. If it fits between the points, it will lift it. I think they were sold as 12" models and its about 12" at full spread. Husqvarna 12" Timber Tongs 574387601 | Timber Carrier | Log Handling, Hand Tools | www.baileysonline.com

So a 16" set of tongs should handle approx. 16" between the points.

 

[gwdixon]

Those are definitely "skidding" tongs, not lifting tongs. At least, that is the design. Obviously, in a pinch, they will lift.

The other thing is that tongs are made to go around the circumference of the log rather than as they are used in the photos. But...whatever works is the farmer's creed.

Here is a set of spring loaded skidding tongs:

Timber Tuff Spring-Loaded Log Tongs — 22in. Jaw Opening, Model# TMW-22SSS | Log Skidding| Northern Tool + Equipment

Here are lifting tongs (note the price!!!!!!!!!!!!):

LITTLE MULE Lifting Tongs, Timber Type, 5000 Lb Max - G1575944 at Zoro

Here are skidding tongs much like yours:

Roughneck High Carbon Steel Swivel Skidding Tongs — 17 1/2in. Jaw Opening | Log Skidding| Northern Tool + Equipment

Perhaps you can see the difference in design.

 

[CobyRupert]

Still can't tell the difference between skidding and lifting tongs. They both seem to have tongs angle up to dig in. Other than the swivel, what differences am I missing?

 

[Dozernut]

Timber Tuff Spring-Loaded Log Tongs 22in. Jaw Opening, Model# TMW-22SSS | Log Skidding| Northern Tool + Equipment

I have a set of these or very similar tongs. They work okay but not great. The sharp points on the tongs are replaceable but they are only held in place by a half moon key. Sometimes you need to set the points into the log and you need to hit them with a hammer. All this does is pops off the half moon key and the points will fall out, then you are done until you find the point and the key. My advise is to buy a better set without the replaceable tips and half moon keys.

 

[gwdixon]

Still can't tell the difference between skidding and lifting tongs. They both seem to have tongs angle up to dig in. Other than the swivel, what differences am I missing?

The lifting tongs have longer and thicker points at a greater angle. The points will remain an angle when the tongs are spread. That way the lifted log stays attached to the tongs. They are also constructed out of heavier material.

The skidding tongs have shorter, less angled points. When spread, the points are parallel to the ground, or the log's surface, rather than pointed up. It can be seen in the photo of the round being lifted.

The skidding tongs are also designed to slip off if, say, the log being skidded hangs up on a stump. The tongs and the tractor are spared damage.

 

[escavader]

Would any one try to heat up tips and bend em ??i use chokers for skidding

 

[oldpilgrim]

Timber Tuff Spring-Loaded Log Tongs — 22in. Jaw Opening, Model# TMW-22SSS | Log Skidding| Northern Tool + Equipment

I have these. If they fit the log, they lift the log. VERY sharply pointed 'hooks'. They work well for me.

 

[PANHAPP]

Do what DOZERNUT said and hit one side with a four pounder a couple of times. You don't have to hit both sides most of the time. Don't heat them. The size you have should work fine for firewood length.
Pan