These tongs were originally designed for handling wooden ties, (see Part #TT2-IPS) but with these new self-locking tips, lifting steel ties is a cinch.
The tie tongs automatically open as the tongs are lowered onto the steel tie. Centering the tongs on the steel tie is not critical, as the self-locking tips will prevent the steel tie from slipping and still allow for a safe and stable lift. To remove the tongs simply lower them till the lifting harness becomes slack and swing the crane boom sideways.
