Adjustable Concrete Pressure Tong with Urethane Pads — Precision Lifting for Cured Concrete Products
The Caldwell Model 176-1/4 Concrete Pressure Tong is an adjustable lifting tool engineered specifically for handling cured concrete products in demanding construction and precast environments. Rated at 0.28 tons (550 lbs.), it accommodates a wide load width range from 0.38 in. to 9.44 in., making it suitable for slabs, blocks, and other concrete elements of varying dimensions. Its adjustable lifting point and pivoting urethane pads allow the user to configure the tong to match the exact geometry and balance requirements of each lift. Compliant with ASME standards, this tong is built for contractors and trades professionals who require reliable, repeatable performance on the jobsite.
Unlike fixed-pad tongs, the Model 176's pivoting urethane pads conform to the load surface for full, even contact — reducing the risk of slippage or surface damage compared to serrated steel cam alternatives. The multiple adjusting ranges and repositionable lifting point give operators a level of setup flexibility that fixed-configuration tongs cannot provide.
Key Features & Benefits
Pivoting Urethane Pads
The pads pivot to align with the load surface, ensuring proper contact across the full grip area. This is critical when lifting concrete products with slight surface variations or angled faces, helping prevent load shifts during the lift.
Adjustable Lifting Point
The repositionable lifting point lets operators dial in a balanced lift before the load ever leaves the ground. This reduces the risk of tilting or uneven loading, which is especially important when working with asymmetric or unevenly distributed concrete elements.
Multiple Adjusting Ranges
With a load width range spanning 0.38 in. to 9.44 in., the Model 176-1/4 handles a broad variety of concrete product profiles without requiring a tool change. This versatility reduces downtime and the need for multiple specialized tongs on a single project.
ASME Standards Compliance
The tong is designed and rated in compliance with ASME standards, giving contractors and site supervisors a recognized benchmark for safe working load and equipment performance. This simplifies compliance documentation on regulated jobsites.
Designed for Cured Concrete Products
The Model 176 is purpose-built for cured concrete handling — the urethane pads protect finished concrete surfaces from marring or cracking during lifts, an important consideration when working with architectural or exposed-finish precast elements.
Common Applications
Precast Concrete Slab Handling
Lift and position precast slabs of varying thickness and width on construction sites where precise placement and surface protection are required.
Concrete Block and Panel Placement
Handle concrete blocks or wall panels where the wide load width adjustment range accommodates different product dimensions without retooling.
Precast Yard Product Management
Move cured concrete products within a precast fabrication yard, where balanced lifts and surface protection are priorities.
Construction Lifter Operations
Use as part of a crane or hoist rigging setup for overhead concrete product placement, leveraging the adjustable lifting point for load balance control.
Compatible Materials
- Cured concrete slabs
- Precast concrete panels
- Concrete blocks
- Concrete construction products with parallel or near-parallel gripping surfaces
Product Documents
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 176-1/4 |
| Capacity | 0.28 tons (550 lbs.) |
| Min Load Width | 0.38 in. |
| Max Load Width | 9.44 in. |
| J - Overall Width | 23.75 in. |
| L - Pad Distance | 4.13 in. |
| HR Min (Headroom) | 9 in. |
| HR Max (Headroom) | 16.2 in. |
| A - Shackle Size | 0.44 in. |
| B - Shackle Opening Width | 1.13 in. |
| C - Shackle Opening Height | 0.94 in. |
| Weight | 16 lbs. |
| Standards Compliance | ASME |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of concrete products is the Model 176-1/4 designed for?
A: The Model 176-1/4 is designed specifically for handling cured concrete products. It is not intended for use on uncured or green concrete.
Q: Can the lifting point be repositioned in the field?
A: Yes. The Model 176 features an adjustable lifting point that allows the operator to set up the tong to ensure a balanced lift for the specific load being handled.
Q: Why are urethane pads used instead of serrated steel cams?
A: The urethane pads are designed to grip without marring or damaging the concrete surface, making them preferable for finished or exposed-face concrete products where surface integrity matters. They pivot to align with the load surface for proper contact.
Q: What is the maximum load width this model can handle?
A: The Model 176-1/4 accommodates load widths from 0.38 in. up to 9.44 in. For wider loads, the Model 176-1 (up to 14.75 in.) may be more appropriate.