Rome Industries #49 Campfire Gripper Stainless Steel
Reviewed by
David Hilyard
+10
October 29, 2019
These are very similar to the long-missing "Chinese Hoodlum Gangs" or "Spondonacles", once sold by Paddy Pallin. They are long tongs useful for lifting billies, frying pans, etc, off a camp fire. Their length makes them far more useful than most currently-available tongs, when cooking on an open fire.
Pros
- Length (24.5 cm) means less burnt hands
- Grip appears strong and positive
Cons
- Some people will think they are too heavy. Lighter, shorter items are available, if you want burnt hands.
So, I've finally found and bought a substitute for long-unavailable billy tongs—the "Chinese Hoodlum Gangs" or "Spondonicles" formerly sold by Paddy Pallin. They are solidly made, and appear very similar to the originals.
- Overall dimensions 24.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm
- Weight 170 g
The greater length means less likelihood of burning your hand on a hot open campfire. The grip is very positive —they lifted a billy with 3 L of water without any problem.
They are available online. With basic delivery, they cost me AUD42.30. Not cheap, but OK for a one-off, lasts-a-lifetime product.
The 4-star rating is tentative, based on bench tests at home. I will update that when I try it out, in the field.
Search online for Rome Industries 49 Rome's Stainless Steel Campfire Gripper Tool, 9.75-Inch, Chrome
See also https://www.trailspace.com/gear/paddy-pallin/spondonicles/
Background
The old Paddy Pallin tongs were an outstanding piece of kit, in every bushwalker's pack. These look to be a very good substitute.
I'll comment more once they've been used in the field.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: AUD42.30 including postage
