Abstract: This invention relates to rigid molded tong inserts for take-out tong members for handling hot glass articles and the like immediately following their molding. The inserts are utilized in pairs being heat and wear-resistant with exposed metallic working surfaces substantially surrounded by molded thermoset-hardened heat-cured insulating plastic material. The inserts have essentially flat parallel surfaces with a metallic reinforcing member integrally molded therewithin, the metallic reinforcing member having a semi-circular shaped exposed working surface adapted to directly contacting the finish area of the hot glass articles and a diametrically-disposed exposed flanged working surface adapted to non-wearing support within a retaining metallic take-out tong member.