Fnova Upgraded 47 Inch Professional Collapsible Snake Tongs Reptile Catcher Stick Rattlesnake Grabber Pick-up Handling Tool, with Zigzag Wide Jaw, Stainless Steel

We live in a Sun a City on a cul de sac that opens to a nature area. When we moved in, neighbors warned us about rattlesnakes in the spring and summer. About a month ago, a small rattlesnake greeted me on the sidewalk next to our garage when I went to take out the garbage cans in the afternoon. I ordered my snake tong that evening. It arrived two days later. I put it together, which was easy, and stored it in the garage. Two days ago, a friend was just leaving and saw 3' rattler on our driveway! While they had a stare down, I hurried through the house to the garage, grabbed my tong and went out the back door to come up on the snake from behind. The tong worked as advertised! With one attempt, I was able to grab the snake mid section and tighten the grip so he couldn't get away. (see picture). I took him to the end of the cul de sac and tossed him down the hill into the open area where he belonged! The snake tong is well worth the price and gives us some piece of mind.

I agree with folks that care about the reptiles that the jaws are a bit rough and could injure the animal by accident. I forced some shrink wraps on the jaws and really like the result. Still enough grip but no edges. Had to share.

I purchased this collapsible snake stick as well as the "Anrain 47" Extra Heavy Duty Snake Tongs Reptile Grabber Catcher Wide Jaw Handling Tool" for a new property that we're using for men's trainings that has a lot of snakes. I haven't had the opportunity to actually use either one on a live snake, but here's my take so far from unboxing:Pros:1) The collapsible feature is really nice (the Anrain one is long and more difficult to store/carry)2) The jaw has serrations on both top and bottom jaws (the Anrain only has serrations on the top jaw)3) The handle is more comfortable for my hand vs. the other model4) There is also a clip that allows you to snap the two halves together when folded so it stays neat for storage5) The quality of the collapsible joint seems strong enough, but that will have to wait until I have a wriggling six-footer on the end. ;-)6) The locking feature is slick and the other model lacks thisCons:1) The manufacturing quality control seemed to leave a little to be desired. The small nuts/bolts on and near the locking feature on top were loose almost to the point of falling off and needed to be tightened up (not a big deal, but I'm glad I checked). One end of the press-rivet on the pivot for where the cable attaches to the handle trigger had popped off and I found it rolling around in the bag when I opened it. The shank appears to be too short to grab the opposite side. The remaining female half appears to be holding for now, but it's right on the edge of coming out. I may replace it with a barrel bolt (aka Chicago screw, or sex screw) and some blue Loctite. I don't want the jaws suddenly releasing when I've got a pissed off Diamond Back on the end of my stick! ;-)

A snake tong is one of those tools that you may be hesitant to use but glad you have it when you need it. My experience was with loops and open hooks in the open, but I discovered tongs are the best tool and safer for you and the snake than either loops or hooks, Tongs are more useful for grabbing snakes inside tight quarters, especially under a house. The construction is aircraft grade stainless steel tubing with an auto-lock and serrated jaw, which reduces a snake’s ability of forward motion but doesn’t hurt the snake. I have read that capturing baby and fast snakes may be a challenge with this tong, but I haven’t experienced that for myself. It is a good weight, well made and collapses to about 24" for storage. I keep mine with me in the yard, marsh, and brush and use it as a pick up tool.

One of my most favorite things ever bought from Amazon! Weird to say that about a snake catcher, but believe me, when you have to remove a snake from your chicken coop because it got in and ate all your baby chicks, or eggs that were due to hatch the next day, you want, no you NEED, this! Kitchen tongs just don't cut it! I love the locking mechanism on this brand so when I don't have help in removing and "relocating" the snake, I can handle it on my own. It's one of those items that you hope you never need to use, but if you do need it, it's a great thing to have handy!