Aluminum snake tongs can be used for catching poisonous or otherwise aggressive snakes. They also enable removal of water dishes, feeding and other care operations from a safe distance.

NOTE! Due to the shape of snake tong jaws (the lower part does not have a curved tip that would assist gripping), an unmodified snake tong does not get a safe grip from a snake body that would allow lifting the snake from ground. If too much force is used for squeezing the snake in order to secure the grip, serious internal injuries might follow. If snakes are to be lifted with tools, it is preferably done with two snake hooks.

If snake tongs are used in catching snakes, it is recommendable to add foam cushioning to the jaws in order to increase gripping friction and soften the grip. When the lower jaw is modified with foam forming a curved tip, snake tongs can also be used for safe lifting.