The best replacement for tongs is thongs.

The best alternatives to tongs are rated as following:
★★★★★  thongs
★★★★  curling wand
★★★★  wand
★★★  rollers
★  calipers
★  triads
★  heated rollers
  skidding tongs

Your alternative for tongs is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about tongs, one probably shouldn't forget about spatula.

Other search terms related to tongs and their ratings are:
★★★★★ spatula
You have in mind a companion for tongs and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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tongs
thongs
curling wand