Tweezers

A tool used for picking up small objects

Tweezers made of martensitic stainless steel

Bronze tweezers

Gold tweezers from the Royal Cemetery of Ur

Tweezers from Gaza

Tweezers from the Academy of Armory, 1693

Tweezers are small tools used for picking up objects too small to be easily handled with the human fingers. They are used in a variety of applications, including cosmetics, electronics, and medicine.

History

The use of tweezers dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that tweezers were used in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India. Bronze tweezers have been found in Mesopotamian sites, such as the Royal Cemetery of Ur, dating back to 2550-2450 BCE.

Design and Materials

Tweezers are typically made from metal, but they can also be made from other materials such as plastic or ceramic. The most common metals used are stainless steel, bronze, and gold. Stainless steel tweezers are popular due to their resistance to corrosion and durability.

Types of Tweezers

There are several types of tweezers, each designed for specific tasks:

• Flat-tip tweezers: Used for general purposes.
• Pointed-tip tweezers: Ideal for precision work, such as in electronics or medical applications.
• Slant-tip tweezers: Commonly used in cosmetics for plucking hair.
• Round-tip tweezers: Used for handling delicate items without causing damage.
• Cross-lock tweezers: These tweezers remain closed until pressure is applied, useful for holding objects without constant pressure.

Applications

Tweezers are used in a variety of fields:

• In cosmetics, they are used for eyebrow plucking and applying false eyelashes.
• In electronics, they are used for handling small components and wires.
• In medicine, tweezers are used in surgery and first aid to remove foreign objects from the body.

Gallery

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  A pair of tweezers

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  Modern round-tipped tweezers

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  Cross tweezers, straight and bent

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  Ceramic tweezers

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  Functional ceramic tweezers

Related pages

• Forceps
• Pliers
• Scissors