The coal tongs are an essential accessory for safely preparing your hookah. Whether you use natural or quick-lighting charcoal, you should never handle the embers without tongs. There is a wide variety of hookah tongs, although most are made of metal. Choose a tong with teeth if you tend to be clumsy, and opt for long tongs if you use a high-power charcoal lighter (this prevents burns from the heat radiation). Large coal tongs provide greater protection against heat but are less maneuverable than small ones. It’s up to you to choose the model that best suits your hookah smoking habits!