Abstract: A locking tong apparatus for securely grasping variable size fireplace or furnace fuel includes a fixed gripper element on one end of an elongate arm and an opposed gripper element on a tubular carrying member coupled on the arm. The two gripper elements define a jaw for holding the fuel, the size of the jaw opening being adjustable by manually sliding the tubular carrying member along the length of the arm. A lever operated, clinch lock is provided on the carrying member to retain the fuel load between the gripper elements following manual adjustment of the jaw opening. In use the lever is oriented below the arm of the locking tong in the hand of the operator to enable the weight of the fuel load to help deflect the lever and more securely lock the jaw.