Caldwell Model 176 Concrete Pressure Tong 176-121100LbCapacity

Caldwell Model 176 Adjustable Concrete Pressure Tong with Urethane Pads

The Caldwell Model 176 is a construction-grade pressure tong engineered for the safe, precise handling of cured concrete products. Featuring pivoting urethane pads and a fully adjustable lifting point, it is designed to conform to a wide range of load geometries without the need for secondary rigging adjustments. Available in three rated capacities 550 lbs., 1,100 lbs., and 2,200 lbs. the Model 176 covers the needs of precast concrete contractors, masonry suppliers, and construction crews handling finished concrete elements. It complies fully with ASME lifting standards, meeting the requirements of regulated job sites and inspection-based projects.

Unlike fixed-pad tongs that risk surface damage or uneven contact, the Model 176's pivoting urethane pads self-align to the load surface on every pick, distributing clamping pressure evenly and protecting finished concrete faces. The adjustable lifting point allows the operator to dial in balance before the lift is made, eliminating load swing and reducing repositioning time. This combination of adaptability and surface protection makes the Model 176 the preferred choice over conventional serrated-cam or fixed-jaw tongs when handling smooth or architecturally finished concrete.

Key Features & Benefits

Adjustable Lifting Point

The lifting point on the Model 176 can be repositioned along the tong frame to balance loads that are not uniformly distributed. This is critical on job sites where concrete panels or slabs vary in thickness, embedments, or cutouts eliminating the risk of a tilted pick that can destabilize a load mid-lift or damage surrounding structure.

Pivoting Urethane Pads

Each pad is mounted to pivot freely, allowing it to align flush with the load surface regardless of minor angular variation in the concrete face. Urethane material protects finished or architectural concrete surfaces from the scarring and spalling that steel or serrated-cam contact can cause, preserving product quality through to delivery and installation.

Multiple Adjusting Ranges

The tong accepts load widths from as narrow as 3/8 in. up to 14-3/4 in. depending on model, covering thin precast panels through thick structural slabs. Having a single tool that spans a wide adjustment range reduces the number of lifting attachments a crew needs to carry and maintain on site.

ASME Compliance

The Model 176 is designed and rated in accordance with ASME standards, making it suitable for use on projects where rigging equipment must meet documented compliance requirements. This is a baseline requirement on most commercial, industrial, and government construction projects and eliminates the paperwork burden of seeking equivalency approvals.

Compact Shackle Bail Dimensions

The shackle opening dimensions (A, B, C) are sized to interface directly with standard crane hooks and shackles, simplifying integration into existing rigging systems without the need for transition hardware. This reduces setup time and the number of connection points in the load path.

Durable All-Steel Frame Construction

The tong body is fabricated from structural steel, providing the rigidity and longevity required for repetitive lifting cycles in precast yards, tilt-up construction, and concrete product distribution environments. The yellow finish aids visibility on active job sites and in storage areas.

Common Applications

Precast Concrete Panel Handling

The Model 176 is well-suited to lifting precast wall panels, columns, and beams at precast yards or on tilt-up job sites. The pivoting pads protect finished panel faces, and the adjustable lift point accommodates variations in panel mass distribution.

Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Block Lifting

For handling stacked or individual CMU blocks with smooth or split faces, the urethane pads provide secure grip without surface damage, making this tong appropriate for architectural masonry applications where face condition matters.

Precast Stair and Landing Placement

Concrete stairs and landings often have irregular weight distribution due to nosing geometry and embedments. The adjustable lift point allows crews to achieve a level pick before the element is lifted, ensuring controlled placement without swing correction.

Concrete Curb and Barrier Handling

Jersey barriers, traffic curbs, and similar elongated concrete elements can be handled efficiently with the Model 176's wide load width adjustment range, accommodating varying profile widths without changing tools.

Tilt-Up Concrete Construction

During tilt-up panel erection, the tong's balanced-lift capability and surface-protecting pads are critical for moving finished panels from the casting slab to vertical position without marring the concrete face that will remain exposed on the completed building.

Concrete Product Distribution and Yard Operations

In precast yards or concrete product distribution centers, the Model 176 enables rapid, repeatable handling of cured products across a wide size range, reducing cycle times and the risk of product damage that results in rework or warranty claims.

Compatible Materials

• Cured (hardened) concrete slabs and panels
• Precast concrete structural elements (beams, columns, stairs, landings)
• Concrete masonry units (CMU blocks)
• Precast architectural concrete with finished faces
• Jersey barriers and precast traffic control elements
• Concrete curbs and edging products
• Tilt-up concrete wall panels

Available Models

Product Documents

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Model 176 suitable for green (uncured) concrete?
A: No. The Model 176 is specifically designed for handling cured concrete products. It should not be used on green or partially cured concrete, as the structural integrity of the load may be insufficient to safely accept the clamping and lifting forces applied by the tong.

Q: How does the adjustable lifting point work?
A: The lifting point can be repositioned along the tong frame to shift the pick point forward or back relative to the load's center of gravity. This allows the operator to achieve a level, balanced lift before leaving the ground, which is critical when handling panels or elements with asymmetric mass distribution.

Q: Will the urethane pads protect finished architectural concrete surfaces?
A: Yes. Urethane pads are significantly softer than steel and do not score or spall concrete surfaces under normal clamping pressure. They are appropriate for use on smooth, form-finished, or exposed-aggregate concrete where surface condition is a project requirement.

Q: Which model should I select for tilt-up panels?
A: Model selection should be based on the rated capacity relative to the panel weight. The 176-1 (2,200 lbs.) handles the heaviest elements and offers the widest load width range (up to 14-3/4 in.), making it the most versatile choice for structural tilt-up applications. Always verify the panel weight before selecting a model.

Q: What crane hook or shackle hardware is compatible with the Model 176?
A: The tong bail accepts standard shackles sized to match the A, B, and C dimensions listed in the specifications. The 176-1/4 and 176-1/2 use a 7/16 in. shackle with a 1-1/8 in. opening width; the 176-1 uses a 1/2 in. shackle with a 1-5/16 in. opening width. Standard crane shackles meeting these dimensions will interface directly without adapters.

Q: Does the Model 176 comply with ASME standards?
A: Yes. The Model 176 is rated and designed in compliance with ASME standards for lifting devices, making it acceptable for use on regulated job sites, government projects, and any application requiring documented rigging equipment compliance.