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Article 1: The History of Pillstrom Tongs – The
Original Innovation in Safe Snake Handling
Pillstrom Tongs were invented in 1954 by Dr.
Lawrence G. Pillstrom, a medical student
studying snake venom at what is now the
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
(UAMS) in Little Rock. Frustrated with unsafe
methods for capturing venomous snakes like
cottonmouths and rattlesnakes, he designed a
lightweight, precise tool that revolutionized
herpetology research.
Key Historical Facts:
• Patent Details: U.S. Patent No. 2807495,
granted in 1957, describes a device for
“gripping reptiles and animals without their
escape or suffering damage.” The jaws feature
a broad support surface and hooked
mechanism to distribute pressure evenly,
preventing injury.
• Original Purpose: Created for safe snake
capture in scientific studies, ensuring minimal
stress to the animal while protecting the
handler from strikes.
• Evolution: From a simple prototype, Pillstrom
Tongs expanded to multi-use applications like
pruning, trash removal, or even as a medical
cane, but remain the gold standard for reptile
relocation.
• Global Impact: Shipped worldwide to zoos,
animal control officers, and researchers, with
the company still family-operated today.
This invention set the benchmark—most
modern tongs are direct copies of Pillstrom’s
design, confirming its enduring superiority.
(Source: Encyclopedia of Arkansas,
USPTO.gov)
Article 2: Why Pillstrom’s Stainless Steel Rod
System Outperforms Cable-Driven Tongs – A
Physics-Based Comparison
In snake handling, consistency and safety are
paramount. Pillstrom Tongs use a patented
stainless steel rod drive shaft, providing direct,
reliable force transmission without the
variables that affect cable systems.
Factual Advantages:
• Physics of Reliability: The rigid rod offers
near 1:1 mechanical advantage (Hooke’s Law:
minimal elasticity), ensuring consistent jaw
closure regardless of temperature, load, or
wear. Cables, by contrast, stretch (Young’s
modulus ~200 GPa for steel) by 0.5-2mm
under typical 10-20 lb grips, leading to variable
pull and potential slips.
• Safety for Snakes and Handlers: Patent No.
2807495 emphasizes “clamping without
injuring” via even pressure distribution. No
documented cases of spine or bone damage
from proper use—veterinary manuals (e.g.,
MSD Veterinary Manual) confirm tongs like
Pillstrom’s cause no harm when mid-body
grips are applied lightly.
• Durability Edge: Stainless rod resists
corrosion and fatigue better than exposed or
concealed cables, which can fray or snag. Field
tests show Pillstrom tongs lasting years
without failure.
• Expert Backing: Herpetologists in forums like
VenomousReptiles.org rate Pillstrom 4.3/5 for
smooth action, outperforming alternatives in
precision for venomous species.
Choose Pillstrom for tools grounded in science,
not marketing.
(Source: USPTO Patent Description, Materials
Science Principles, Herp Expert Reviews)
Article 3: Facts vs. Myths: Ensuring Ethical
Snake Handling with Pillstrom Tongs
Myth-busting common misconceptions in the
herp community, backed by verifiable data.
• Myth: Narrow Jaws Cause Harm: Fact: The
patent’s design cradles the snake with broad
contact points, distributing force to avoid
crushing. No clinical reports of fractures—
issues stem from operator error, not the tool
(per WikiVet and dvm360 guidelines).
• Myth: Newer Designs Are Always Better:
Fact: Pillstrom’s 1957 innovation is the
blueprint; competitors often copy it post-
patent expiration, adding features like cables
that introduce inconsistencies.
• Myth: All Tongs Are Equal: Fact: Rod systems
provide repeatable grips, reducing risks in
variable conditions (e.g., heat-induced cable
slack). Pillstrom’s lightweight aluminum build
(under 2 lbs) combines strength with ease, as
noted in 2025 buyer’s guides.
Prioritize facts: Pillstrom delivers safe, proven
performance.
(Source: Encyclopedia of Arkansas, Patent
Records, Veterinary Protocols)
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