Pinzette

Pinzette are slender hand-held tools designed to grasp, hold, and manipulate small objects with precision. They are used across medicine, science, electronics, and crafts, as well as in everyday tasks such as removing a splinter. A pinzette consists of two arms joined at a pivot, forming opposing jaws. The tips vary in shape: pointed tips for delicate items, blunt or spoon-shaped tips for gripping fragile surfaces, and straight or curved jaws to access tight or awkward spaces. Most pinzette are non-locking, relying on friction to hold the object, while some forceps used in surgery or microdissection incorporate a ratchet to lock the jaws in place.

Materials commonly include stainless steel for durability and sterilizability; higher-end instruments may be made from titanium or coated alloys; plastic variants exist for non-conductive or disposable use. Care and sterilization are essential for medical and laboratory pinzette; cleaning after use and proper sterilization (autoclaving, chemical sterilants, or UV) extend life and prevent contamination.

Common applications include: medical and dental procedures such as splinter removal, tissue handling, or handling sutures; laboratories for manipulating slides, micro-samples, or magnified specimens; electronics and jewelry work for placing tiny components; and general household tasks that require precision.

See also related tools such as tweezers, forceps, and microdissection instruments.