The 6 Best Skidding Tongs

This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in January of 2019. If you want a good way to throw your back out in a hurry, try lifting and dragging logs without skidding tongs. Even if you use a grabber chain, you have to somehow get it wrapped around the log, and that's especially difficult if they've been sitting a while and have settled into the ground. These useful tools bite into the wood and make it easy to drag with a tractor, truck, or ATV. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. 1922 Earth Worth

The 1922 Earth Worth (appx. $89) can handle just about any log you want to throw at them, with jaws that expand to 32 inches. The hooks bite deep for a secure grip, and you won't lose them on the forest floor, thanks to their bright red color that makes them easy to see.

Swivel hook prevents chain twisting
Solid durable feel
1-year warranty

2. Timber Tuff TMW-02

The Timber Tuff TMW-02 (about $33) make a difficult job much easier. Their 3/8-inch thick steel arms open to 20 inches and have a powder-coated finish to help prevent corrosion. They work on smaller logs, too, though you might have to set the teeth with a hammer before you drag them.

Reliably strong grip
Hook fits a three-eighths-inch chain
Sturdy and well made

3. Redneck Convent 16

The Redneck Convent 16 (appx. $34) feature 2-inch hooks that are angled to make them easier to attach and to provide a stronger grip on logs up to 20 inches wide. They are forged from heavy-duty metal and built to last, even under punishing daily use.

Weigh just over 6 pounds
Can also be used for lifting logs
You might want to sharpen hooks

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4. Timber Tuff TMW-22SSS

With their spring-loaded arms, the Timber Tuff TMW-22SSS (about $60) are easy for one person to operate, because you don't have to maintain pressure on the hooks to keep them in place before you start pulling. The teeth swivel, so there's less stress on them when lifting and tugging.

Open to 22 inches
Made from heavy-duty steel
More expensive option than many

5. Roughneck High-Carbon Steel

Built to last for years of use, the Roughneck High-Carbon Steel (around $73) are reinforced at stress points to help them withstand heavy loads. For example, the ring that attaches to your chain is 1-1/8 inch thick, and the whole thing has a powder-coated finish to prevent rust.

Bright yellow for high visibility
Shape increases teeth penetration
Points could be sharper

6. Roughneck 17

For logs 17 inches or smaller, the Roughneck 17 (about $33) offer good value for the budget-conscious shopper. Their swivel-hook attachment keeps your chain from twisting and helps reduce log roll so that the teeth stay embedded as long as you need them to.

Useful for small and large jobs
Tough and long-lasting
Can be a little stiff at first

Last updated by Joseph Perry

An avid reader and outdoors enthusiast, Joe earned his doctorate in literary studies before making the lateral leap from academia to technical writing. He now lives and works in the inter-mountain West where he creates technical and marketing content, including white papers, solution briefs, and courseware for some of the world’s largest information technology companies. With more than 14 years of experience in the field, he has learned more than he ever thought he would know about such enterprise IT topics as cloud computing, storage, databases, business software, and networking. When he’s not writing about business computing, he can be found outdoors, probably hiking with his family and dog.

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