A number of utensils were used to clean (to "prepare") the Menorah and these were called the "tongs and shovels." The main such utensils were: the kuz - which was a golden receptacle in which the ashes from the burnt wicks were placed. Golden tongs were used to remove the burnt wicks. The cleaning utensils were placed on the second stair in front of the Menorah after the five lamps were prepared. (Source: Tamid 3,9 and 6,1). 
Uses
Contents:   Part I,    Part II,    Part III,    Part IV,    Part V,    Part VI,    Part VII