My spider goes absolute psycho when he's eating and it's kind of scary. I use the lid of the tub as a shield when I open it. I used to drop the prey a LOT and since he's a little wobbly, sometimes it takes him 2 or 3 hits to get it. This has caused me much grief.

I'm going to get these as I think it will help me: http://www.bigappleherp.com/Hemostats

I currently use a long tweezer style hemostat. I think they suck. You said 'tongs' so maybe that is what you already use... but if not check out a LONGER hemostat so you can feel 'safer.'

You also kind of have to just get over it. I used to release as soon as they struck because I'm jumpy too, but as I see more videos and meet more keepers I see that they hold onto the prey till the snake gets a firm grip and even give a little tug to make them really clamp down. That's what I do now and recommend it.

GL