Caldwell Model 173 Concrete Pressure Tong

Caldwell Model 173 Concrete Pressure Tong with Grip Teeth — Secure Handling of Cured Concrete Products

The Caldwell Model 173 Concrete Pressure Tong with Grip Teeth is a purpose-built lifting tool designed for the safe and efficient handling of cured concrete products on construction sites. It features serrated steel cams that deliver superior gripping force, ensuring the load stays firmly secured during the lift. The tong automatically adjusts to the load width, making it adaptable across varying concrete slab dimensions without manual reconfiguration. It is fully compliant with ASME standards, making it a reliable choice for contractors, riggers, and construction professionals operating under strict safety requirements.

Unlike smooth-pad tongs that rely solely on clamping pressure, the Model 173's serrated steel cam jaw design bites into the concrete surface for a mechanical grip that resists slippage under load. The pads can be rotated to expose fresh gripping surface, extending the useful service life of the tool and reducing replacement costs in demanding field environments. An easy-release manual latch simplifies load placement and release, improving cycle times on the job site.

Key Features & Benefits

Serrated Steel Cam Jaw Grip

The serrated steel cams provide a mechanical bite on the concrete surface, going beyond friction-only clamping. This is critical when handling heavy or irregularly surfaced cured concrete products where a smooth pad could slip. The result is a more secure and predictable grip throughout the lift cycle.

Automatic Load-Size Adjustment

The tong automatically adjusts to the width of the load as lifting force is applied, eliminating the need for manual jaw setting between lifts. This saves setup time on high-volume concrete handling operations and reduces the risk of operator error from improper jaw positioning.

Easy-Release Manual Latch

The manual latch allows the operator to release the load quickly and reliably once the concrete product is set in place. A smooth release mechanism reduces strain on the crew and speeds up placement cycles, which is especially valuable in precast yard and tilt-up construction environments.

Rotatable Pads for Extended Field Life

The grip pads can be rotated to a fresh surface when one side wears, effectively doubling or multiplying the usable life of the wear components before replacement is needed. This feature reduces operating costs and minimizes unplanned downtime on the job site.

ASME Standards Compliance

The Model 173 is designed and rated in compliance with ASME standards for below-the-hook lifting devices, providing contractors and site safety managers with the documentation and engineering assurance required on regulated job sites. This compliance supports crane operator certification requirements and site lift planning processes.

Multiple Rated Capacity Options

Available in 1/4-ton, 1/2-ton, and 1-ton rated capacities, the Model 173 can be matched to the specific weight class of the concrete products being handled. Each model is sized with appropriate dimensional ranges to suit the corresponding load widths encountered in typical concrete construction applications.

Common Applications

Precast Concrete Panel Handling

The Model 173 is well suited for lifting and positioning precast concrete panels in yard storage and on-site installation. The serrated cams grip the panel surface securely, and the automatic adjustment accommodates panels of varying thickness.

Concrete Slab Lifting

Site-cast and precast concrete slabs can be lifted and placed with precision using the Model 173. The pressure-grip mechanism ensures the slab is held firmly during crane travel and lowering operations.

Tilt-Up Construction

During tilt-up concrete construction, the tong can be used to handle cured wall panels after they have been cast on the slab. The adjustable jaw accommodates varying panel thicknesses common in tilt-up work.

Concrete Block and Masonry Unit Handling

For larger cured concrete masonry products, the Model 173's grip-tooth design maintains secure contact on rough or textured block surfaces where smooth pads may lose traction.

Precast Yard Operations

In precast manufacturing facilities, the tong supports efficient movement of finished concrete products from casting beds to storage areas or delivery staging, improving throughput without damaging the product surface.

Infrastructure and Civil Construction

Concrete products used in infrastructure work — including bridge elements, retaining wall panels, and utility vaults — can be safely handled with the Model 173 where the rated capacity and load width range are appropriate.

Compatible Materials

• Cured precast concrete panels
• Cured concrete slabs
• Concrete masonry units (CMU)
• Tilt-up concrete wall panels
• Precast infrastructure components (vaults, retaining wall panels, bridge elements)
• Concrete products with rough or textured surfaces

Available Models

Note: The 1/4-ton unit (173-1/4) has a shackle lifting eye.

Product Documents

• Download Catalog — Model 173 Product Page (Caldwell Master Catalog Page 195)

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of concrete products is the Model 173 designed to handle?
A: The Model 173 is designed specifically for handling cured concrete products, including precast panels, concrete slabs, tilt-up wall panels, and similar construction concrete components. It is not intended for use on green or uncured concrete.

Q: How does the automatic load adjustment work?
A: As lifting force is applied, the tong's jaw mechanism self-adjusts to the width of the load, applying proportional clamping pressure. No manual jaw setting is required between lifts, which reduces setup time and operator error in repetitive handling operations.

Q: What is the purpose of the serrated steel cams compared to smooth pads?
A: The serrated steel cams provide a mechanical bite on the concrete surface rather than relying solely on friction. This improves grip security on rough, textured, or uneven concrete surfaces where smooth pads may slip under dynamic loading conditions during crane travel.

Q: Can the pads be replaced or serviced in the field?
A: Yes. The pads are designed to be rotatable, meaning they can be repositioned to expose a fresh gripping surface when one side wears. This extends the service life of the wear components and reduces the frequency and cost of pad replacement in high-use field environments.

Q: Does the Model 173 meet jobsite safety certification requirements?
A: The Model 173 complies with ASME standards for below-the-hook lifting devices, which is the standard required for crane rigging compliance on most regulated construction job sites in the United States. Documentation supporting compliance is available in the product catalog.

Q: Which model should I select for a given load weight?
A: Select the model whose rated capacity meets or exceeds the maximum weight of the concrete product being lifted. The 173-1/4 is rated for up to 550 lbs., the 173-1/2 for up to 1,100 lbs., and the 173-1 for up to 2,200 lbs. Always verify that the load width falls within the specified min–max range for the selected model.