Can pole tongs be used to set poles?

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Setting a pole requires precise control of weight, alignment, and a secure connection to the ground. Pole tongs aren’t designed to provide that stable, load-bearing grip during the actual placement into a hole or onto a brace. They grip the pole and rely on friction, which can slip or crush the wood as you lower the pole, potentially causing the pole to tilt, fall, or injury someone nearby. They also don’t offer the necessary control to keep the pole perfectly vertical or to transfer the load safely into the ground during setting.

The proper approach uses equipment designed for setting poles, such as a pole setter or a crane/backhoe attachment, with appropriate rigging, guides, and braces to hold the pole upright, align it correctly, and then secure and backfill. Training helps with safety, but it doesn’t make using pole tongs for setting a safe or acceptable method.