Diao Dao (吊搗)

Drawing of a Diao Dao, from 'Wu Bei Zhi (《武備志》)'.

Diao Dao (吊搗, lit. 'Hanging thrasher') was a weapon designed to be used in siege defence. A large grappling hook hung from a wooden crane, Diao Dao resembled a smaller and mechanically simpler version of the famous ancient Greek Claw of Archimedes. Instead of pulling enemy warships out of the water like the Claw, it was used to topple battering rams and siege towers.

A variant of Diao Dao replaced its grappling hook with a heavy stone ball, essentially turning it into a wrecking ball.