I know somewhere there is a reference to magic hooks named for Magicman but nothing came up in the search.
I know several of you have made them using our hooks. I am sure they work great.
We got another call about them a week or so ago. I can and will happily sell you the hooks to make your own. However, Logrite will never make them as we would need to have them tested and certified. When that happens it almost doubles the price of the item. We went through this process with our skidding tongs. They were tested and we know their limit but chose not to move forward because of the cost, so we only sell skidding tongs and not lifting tongs.
Should you be making your own, the hole in the hook (all sizes) takes a 3/8" bolt. These hooks are hardened so changing it would not be easy. Please consider this before buying the hooks as it may be a limiting factor when looking for shackles.
Now I'm curious what these magic hooks are?
Well, this thread will show you just one use. You can do some searching for more.
Magic hook. (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=120584.0)
The Original Magic Hooks:
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0283.JPG)
Made from broken logging tongs.
MM and OG thanks for the pic and links.
That cleared it all up ffcool
Tam-i-am,
I was likely the one you were referring to in your original post, as I recently ordered a set and made my own set of "Magic Hooks" in my own DIY way. LogRite makes fantastic products! The LogRite cant hooks and peaveys are designed to be used with human power and leverage and are the best in the business (especially the Xtreme Duty series). For a manufacturer to test and certify them for a lifting purpose was not what I was asking for, but I can see the increased risk and liability (hence extra cost) that enters into the equation when manufacturing something for a lifting function rather than a horizontal movement. (Gravity is powerful, effective, increases risk, and always wins). Magic Hooks have their uses for horizontal movement or for rotating logs (as seen in pictures in the thread link that OG mentioned) when used alone or in pairs. They can also be used in pairs "at your own risk" for lifting purposes as end tongs. A safer/more secure way to move logs vertically off the ground is with a choker-style chain on each end of the log; but sometimes that isn't easy to do or feasible, hence Magic Hooks can fill a role.
Enlarging the hole in hardened metal can be done, it just takes some ingenuity and persistence. The standard 3/8" hole (~9.5mm) will fit a 5/16" double-clevis link pin (usually 4,700# WLL). One needs to enlarge the hole to fit the 10mm clevis pin that comes with a 3/8" double-clevis link (6,600# WLL), if one wants to use 3/8" G70 chain (6,600# WLL) and keep the WLLs the same.
To make a new set of Magic Hooks using two Mega Hooks (plus shipping/tax) & two 3/8" double-clevis links (can be found at a local hardware/farm/forestry store), figure about $130-140; plus whatever length of 3/8" G70 chain you wish to use (Total: $200-250).
Ben
WELumberjack
Thanks for your post.
This info should be on the the thread OIld Greenhorn post as well, that way the info is all in one place.
Tammy