OCHSENKOPF Log Handling Tools
The Work After Felling and Sawing
Good log handling tools enable a more upright and controlled way of working while reducing unnecessary bending, pulling and lifting. Depending on the size of the wood, the ground conditions and the task, the right tool can be selected. This makes log handling more predictable, safer and more ergonomic – with the right striking, gripping and leverage action wherever it is needed.
The range includes felling levers, draw and pack hooks, hand log tongs, sappies and turning hooks. The different versions vary in length, head and gripping shape, as well as handle material. This provides solutions for heavy logs as well as compact hand sappies for metre-length sections and firewood.
Using Leverage: The OCHSENKOPF Felling Lever
A felling lever is a lever tool for handling logs lying on the ground. The tool is positioned against the log using its tip or claw; the long lever transfers the force applied by the user to the wood. This makes it possible to lift, move or turn logs without having to handle them entirely through muscle power.
Felling levers are used primarily after felling and cutting logs to length. They help release a log from its position, place it for the next work step or support cutting and skidding operations. Depending on the model and length, users can adapt the leverage to different log sizes and working situations. The advantage is that the felling lever creates distance from the wood and improves control over the movement. It supports a more back-friendly working method by reducing the need for deep bending and direct lifting. Leverage can also be decisive when turning a log that is lying awkwardly or needs to be repositioned for further processing.
Our OCHSENKOPF OX 85 felling lever is available in two lengths, allowing you to select the model that best suits your height and task.
Gripping When It Matters: Draw Hooks and Hand Log Tongs
Hooks and hand log tongs grip wood in different ways. A draw or pack hook penetrates the wood with its tip and creates a secure contact point for pulling, bringing in or positioning logs and billets. The hook is particularly direct: Set the tip, apply leverage and move the wood in a controlled manner.
Hand log tongs surround the wood with two gripping jaws. They are therefore suitable for picking up, carrying and sorting pieces of wood without having to drive a tip deeply into the material. This can be practical when handling more sensitive surfaces or bundling and repositioning several pieces.
OCHSENKOPF offers hand log tongs in different sizes as well as draw and pack hooks for various applications. Hooks are useful when an individual log needs to be pulled or removed from a row. Hand log tongs are particularly advantageous when picking up and transporting pieces of wood.
Tips and Teeth: Turning Wood with Sappies and Turning Hooks
Sappies and turning hooks are traditional aids for log handling, but they perform different tasks. A sappie has a spike that is driven into the wood. The handle acts as an extension of the arm and as a lever. This makes it possible to pull, lift, stack or move billets and logs over short distances. The turning hook is designed primarily for rotating and turning logs lying on the ground. Its curved hook grips the wood, while the long handle creates the necessary leverage. This allows the position of a log to be changed in a controlled manner, for example to align it more effectively for further processing.
Sappies are particularly versatile when handling firewood, metre-length sections and smaller skidding tasks. Turning hooks show their strengths with larger logs lying on the ground that need to be turned or aligned.
More information about our logging attachments
Fibreglass, Aluminium or Wood: Which Handle Is Better?
OCHSENKOPF sappies are available with a traditional wooden handle, an aluminium handle or a fibreglass handle. A wooden handle feels warm and natural in the hand and can be replaced when necessary, but requires care and proper storage. The main advantage of an aluminium handle is its low weight. This is also a characteristic of fibreglass handles. They are a good choice for users looking for a durable, low-maintenance tool. However, if the handle is damaged, the entire sappie generally needs to be replaced.
Sappie, Sappls, Sapin or Zapin?
The sappie is a traditional tool used in forestry and wood processing. Regionally, it is also known by names such as Sappel, Sappl, Sapie, Sapin, Zapin or Griesbeil. The exact origin of the name is explained in different ways; it is often associated with Italian or French terms related to hoes and mattocks.
The sappie remains a relevant tool today because it solves a fundamental task very directly: gripping and moving wood. Modern versions supplement the traditional design with different handle lengths, materials and serrated versions for improved grip.
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions
A turning hook is particularly suitable for rotating and turning logs lying on the ground. Depending on the situation, a felling lever can also be used to lift and turn logs. The choice depends on the size, weight and position of the log.
A sappie has a spike that is driven into the wood. It is particularly suitable for pulling in, lifting and stacking billets and smaller logs. A turning hook grips logs lying on the ground with a curved hook tip and is primarily intended for rotating and turning logs.
A felling lever is primarily used to lift, move and turn logs lying on the ground. The long lever reduces the required effort and creates distance from the wood. Special safety rules apply when working with trees that are under tension or hanging.
The appropriate handle length depends on your height, the dimensions of the wood and the task. Short hand sappies are suitable for smaller pieces of wood and firewood. Longer sappies provide greater reach and leverage when moving larger pieces.
Before use, the handle, head, tip, hook and gripping surfaces must be checked for damage and secure attachment. Make sure you have a secure stance, use controlled movements and maintain sufficient distance from rolling or tensioned wood. The required personal protective equipment must be worn.
