English

Drawing of a pipe tong

Noun

pipe tong ‎(plural pipe tongs)

1. A tool that uses scissors action to exert pressure on a pipe or other cylindrical object in order to lift or handle the object. Normally used with a crane or other power equipment.
2. A hand tool consisting of a lever that ends in a toothed surface and an attached chain or strap. In use, the pipe is squeezed between the chain and the teeth, thus gripping the pipe. This version is used more for threading pipe sections together.