tongs

Tongs are hand-held gripping tools made of two levers joined at a hinge, forming opposing jaws that open and close to seize objects. The user applies force at the handles to close the jaws, allowing lifting, turning, or transferring items without direct contact, especially hot or delicate materials.

They are widely used in kitchens for turning meat, serving pasta, and picking up salad, and in dining settings for self-service. Beyond cooking, tongs are employed in laboratories, workshops, and industrial settings to handle hot or hazardous items, or to avoid contamination.

Common types include kitchen tongs with spring-loaded or pivot joints and straight or angled jaws; barbecue tongs that are longer for distance from heat; and serving or precision tongs, which have broader tips or fine tips for small items. Materials vary by use, often stainless steel with silicone or nylon coatings.

Most tongs are made of stainless steel, sometimes with heat-resistant silicone tips. Some have locking mechanisms for compact storage. Care depends on material; dishwasher-safe stainless steel is common, while wooden-handle or coated variants may require hand washing and drying to prevent damage.

See also: forceps, tweezers, kitchen utensil. Safety considerations include using the right length and grip to prevent slips and avoiding cross-contamination by using dedicated tongs for different foods.