I am writing this guide because I have received questions from several eBayers regarding tong length. Specifically, why not get the longest tong available? If you are reading this, I assume you have chosen a humane way to remove snakes from your property over the shovel chop method.

I would recommend the 40" tongs for handling most snakes in the US, including rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are heavy and the longer the tong is, the more difficult it is to handle. To pick up an adult rattler with a 52" or 60" tong, most people have to use a second hand on the shaft, which obviously negates the advantage of the longer tong. The long tongs are better used for pulling snakes out from under bushes and buildings. If you grasp the snake about one third of the body length back from the head, you can safely handle any snake that lives in the US. For really heavy-bodied or long snakes, you may want to use a hook in addition to a tong to support the back portion of the snake. I removed rattlers from residences for 12 years in AZ with a 24" tong. The shorter the tong, the better your control, but I understand most people are not comfortable getting that close to a venomous snake. The 40" tong is a good compromise between control and distance from the bitey end of the snake. However, if you live in a country where venomous snakes 6 feet and longer are common, you may want to consider a longer tong.

There are several tong styles to choose from. The old Pilstrom-style tong is OK for occasional homeowner use, but it has 2 disadvantages: a scissors-style jaw that can harm the snake, and an exposed control cable & spring that can hang up in brush.

Standard Tong Jaw:


The Midwest M1 and Gentle Giant tongs offer wider, gentler jaws and a rubber-coated upper jaw for control. The cables and springs are enclosed in the shaft.

M1 Tong Jaw:


Gentle Giant Tong Jaw:


Finally, before you attempt to capture a snake, be sure you have a secure container with the lid off and ready to receive the snake. Coolers and open buckets are not very good options. I use a 5 gallon dog food bucket with a screw-top lid, these are available at most pet stores. Drill air holes in the lid and attach a handle to allow you to screw the lid on tight. Do not put your fingers near the air holes, rattlers and other front-fanged venomous snakes can strike through the holes. Do not leave the captured snake in the hot sun - they will expire very quickly if you do. Try to release the snake in a habitat similar to the one it was captured in, away from buildings.

For a variety of snake tongs and hooks, please visit my eBay store - I ship worldwide: Burro Blanco