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NimbleCabin
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 02:20am
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Hey everyone,
Lately I’ve been spending more time around our property clearing fallen trees and getting ahead on next winter’s firewood, which got me thinking about log tongs. When we first bought this place a few years ago, I didn’t really think much about log handling tools. If a tree came down, I’d just cut it up and roll the logs by hand or drag them with a chain behind the ATV.
Last weekend we had a pretty strong windstorm, and the next morning I found a couple medium-sized trunks down along the tree line behind the cabin. Nothing huge, but big enough that moving them by hand across uneven ground was a real workout.
That’s what finally pushed me to start looking more seriously at log tongs. I’ve seen them used plenty of times — a neighbor down the road uses a set when he’s moving logs with his tractor — but I’ve never actually owned one myself. From what I’ve been reading, a lot of folks seem to use things from Timber Tuff, Timberjack, or Woodchuck Tools, and while browsing around I also noticed some more budget-friendly options out there, like Garvee. Most of the designs look fairly simple — the classic scissor-style tongs that bite into the wood when you lift — but there are quite a few size options and styles out there.
I’m still trying to figure out what actually works best for everyday use around a property. Most of what I do isn’t heavy logging — it’s more like dragging logs out of the woods, stacking rounds near the woodshed, loading a few onto a small trailer, or moving pieces around while splitting firewood. I’m usually working solo, so anything that saves my back a bit would be worth it.
Does tong size make a big difference?
Are the smaller hand tongs easier to work with, or do people eventually wish they had a larger tractor-style set?
And does the tooth shape or bite design really affect how well they grip different types of wood?
Right now my “system” is basically a chainsaw, a hookaroon, and a lot of rolling logs with my boots, which works… but probably isn’t the smartest long-term plan.
Curious what others here are using around their cabins or woodlots. Do log tongs end up being one of those tools you reach for all the time, or more of a situational thing?
Would love to hear what’s worked for you all. Thanks!
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DRP
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 07:27am
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I've used and broken a few.
Size range is critical as is the shape of the teeth. I've got one cheap pair someone gave me that needs some blacksmith work.
I normally use just a 3/8 chain with grab hooks and nothing else. Tongs and dogs let go at inopportune times.
Attached is a pic of a set of chain dogs, aka hammer dogs. They are not as fussy about size range but then you need a hammer to drive them. If you find one with a larger ring, chain and single hook it is a ring dog, cut a pole for the ring and it is a cant hook for the woods.
The 2nd pic is "walking the dog". A lashed A frame with tongs, chain, rope... dangling from it. The log is suspended under the legs which are set ahead. Push on the A frame and it lifts the log and slides it forward, rinse and repeat. I've walked logs and timbers out of places I couldn't get anything else to.
These folks have the real stuff, I'd go with a swivel tong over a ring, also look at the fetching and ATV arches, I've used both and was happy with them;
https://logrite.com/
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 11:08am
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Before getting my fabulous JD 1025r tractor and a set of pallet forks we had to do as you on the drag/roll/etc.
Getting the tow rig log end up some so it wouldnt dig in on the drag was very helpful. A suitable dia 'roller helped but had to be reset. I was about to look for a 2 wheel arched 'lift' that I could lay back on the log, chain up and pull the arch and hitch back to level which would lift the log end.
Then the neighbor had to move on short notice and sold me his tractor 
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paulz
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 12:45pm
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Same here. Moved many a log with tractor and chain. Here’s my tongs nowadays .
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darz5150
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 01:45pm
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I made a skidder pan out of a traeger grill lid.
Just roll the log on the spikes, then I made a set of hammer cleats like DRPs chain dogs. I hook it up, hammer the cleats in and go.
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DRP
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 02:26pm
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Way cool!
That brings to mind, google skidding cone, maybe Bailey's has them can't remember. an old 50's car hood was another old school way.
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darz5150
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 03:14pm
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Here's something else I made.
It's a combo timberjack/can't hook.
You can lift the log off the ground to buck it to size or if needed remove the foot and just use it like a can't hook.
It just black iron pipe and steel.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 25 Mar 2026 06:42pm - Edited by: gcrank1
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Yep, Ive got an old homemade one too, dont use it much but when I need one it is there 
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Brettny
Member
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# Posted: 26 Mar 2026 06:08am
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If the log is small enough for an ATV to pull just lay the chai. Down and roll the log over it.
I have a set and used them but only because I was moving 30in white pine. Now I have a loader with grapple and they sit in the shed.
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