Abstract: Improved lifting tongs are provided which are particularly suitable for use in lifting heavy sections of cylindrical pipe. The lifting tongs are comprised of first and second opposing jaws and first and second mounting plates which are respectively rigidly joined to the first and second jaws. The mounting plates are arranged in mutually overlapping parallel disposition in spaced separation from each other. First and Second crank or cam levers are interposed in the gap between the mounting plates, and are rotatably secured relative thereto. The crank levers have cam lobes which act against corresponding cam surfaces on the jaws to force the jaws together with about a 4 to 1 mechanical advantage when the tongs are lifted.