How to Make Your Own Clam Tongs

Clam tongs are hinged tine implements used to scoop through the sand to harvest clams. Commercial clam tongs are 12-15 feet in length and used in 10 feet of water. Clam tongs for recreational clammers are 70 inches long and are used similarly, but in several feet of water at low tide. The claws of the clam tong are typically made of steel and contain 12 or more tines. When pulled together, the tines sift through the sand and retain the clams. Attaching a pair of stall forks -- pitch forks with more, longer tines -- makes a good set of clam tongs.

Two stall forks
Tape measure
T-square
Permanent marker
Power drill
1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch machine bolts
Socket set
140-amp stick welder

Instructions

- 1
  Use a tape measure and permanent marker to locate and mark a single drill hole on the side of the handles of two stall forks. Mark the holes three inches above the upper surface of the steel frame of the forks.
- 2
  Mount a marked fork in a steel vise. Drill a 1/2-inch hole through the handle at the mark on its side. Repeat this process on the other fork.
- 3
  Stand the two forks up and facing each other with their tines touching.
- 4
  Slide a 1/2-inch by 4 1/2-inch machine bolt through both holes in the two forks, connecting them together. Wrench the bolt tight and test the movement of the two forks, when moved back and forth, to verify there is tight movement. Place a lock washer onto the bolt end, and place and tighten another nut against the lock washer.
- 5
  Weld the nuts and washer together to form a permanent lock and prevent it from loosening.

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