I think you got the key to it right there Skip.

We've used those tongs in our family for some 9 generations that I know of. The only thing they ever hurt was a toe or two when they were dropped on them.

The only time anything will fly is if the chain, rope, strap or cable pulling is under tension and is suddenly released. Stored energy when released has to go somewhere.

The idea of those hooks though is that the harder you pull, the harder they bite in. If you happen to snag the front of the log on something, the hooks are supposed to tear out of the wood, slowly releasing that stored energy, not violently or suddenly.

The key to safely using them is to a) make sure your skidway (the path you drag them on) is clear of roots, rocks and stumps, b) you're pulling with only a Grade 70 or better chain (much harder, less stretch).

Kenny, thanks for the kind words.


Best of luck.

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