Thinking of getting some log tongs for moving rounds. Curious what you have used and how you liked them? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've tried tongs, and still use them for moving long poles and larger brush while I'm cutting and clearing. I have a larger (up to 20" or so) cheap set from Amazon that work fine, but my smaller ones (8") that I use most often are made by Bahco. They're nicely made and work well. But for moving firewood rounds, I like the tools that grip the ends of the wood. I started with a couple of TimberTuff Timber Claws. They work well but the quality is not quite what it could/should be. The Lockhart Firewood Grippers work well, are slightly more expensive than the TimberTuff product, but they are well made: Lockhart's Firewood Grippers - 1518P In general, I prefer these tools over tongs for rounds because I don't have to get near the middle mass of the wood to balance it like you do with tongs. The motion to hook each end of the wood with the Gripper is very easily learned and quick, and they generally unhook easier than the tongs. And I can hook a huge round and pick it up with a sort of deadlift motion, with both hands on the Gripper and using my knees if necessary, to get it up to the splitter or trailer. I don't have to spread my arms and lose strength trying to grip the wood with my hands, so I can actually manage heavier pieces much more easily. Some folks prefer tongs over these. I do like tongs for other tasks but don't prefer them for moving cut rounds. As with all other advice, this is worth what you paid for it. LOL You just have to try for yourself and see what works best for you. Good luck!
If you do use tongs, you might find a simple hook handy for the other hand if handling big rounds. Because, again, you don't have to waste energy trying to grip the wood itself to balance it, especially if your hands are creaking and showing their age like mine are. Something like this: Husqvarna® Lifting Hook I found mine on Ebay for $15 or so a couple years ago. It's labeled Jonsereds and is maroon, but it came from the same mold as the Husqvarna one.
From Backwoods Savage s recommendation, I picked up a pair of the Husqvarna Log Tongs. I love em and would highly recommend. Husqvarna 12" Timber Tongs OEM #574387602 | Safford Equipment Company
I’ve got the 12” and smaller 6” (I think) Husqvarna tongs. I would not and do not do anything firewood related without them! Really save on my back wear and tear!
I have these, the larger pair. I like them enough that I gifted a set to a friend. Intuitive once you get your technique figured.
Thanks Jason. I've tried different one and they all work, but not seemed to work as well as the Huskies. I have 2 of the 12" and one of the 6". The small one works well for splits but the large ones are the real McCoy. I might add that people sometimes get the impression these won't pick up anything larger than 12" Wrong! They do.
I have a pair of tongs and seldom use them. They do work well, just a personal preference on my part. I seem to use my pickeroon and "cleaver" for carrying rounds when I have to schlep them a distance. Didnt you have a pair of those "bungee" type log tongs Reloader?
Yes. I have the bungees and they work well. Being a bit of a gadget guy and since firewood is one of my two main hobbies I’m always interested in trying something different. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
