Hemostats are one of the most recognizable instruments in the medical world—but today, they’re also making a major appearance in craft rooms, maker workshops, electronics benches, and DIY kits. With their precise jaws, locking mechanism, and slim design, hemostatic forceps offer unmatched control over delicate materials, small parts, and detailed tasks.

Let’s explore how this medical staple has become a must-have tool across multiple industries.

What Is a Hemostat? What Is a Hemostat Used For?

A hemostat—also known as a hemostatic clamp, artery forceps, or locking forceps—is a precision tool designed to clamp, hold, and secure tissue or materials using a locking ratchet mechanism. Originally invented for surgical procedures to control bleeding, hemostats have evolved into a universal precision tool for various professional and creative fields.

Hemostats are indispensable in medicine. Their narrow jaws, strong clamping power, and locking mechanism make them essential in virtually every clinical environment.

Below are the most common and important medical applications.

1. Controlling Bleeding During Surgery. The primary purpose of a hemostat is hemostasis, stopping bleeding by clamping blood vessels. During surgical procedures, doctors use hemostats to:

• Clamp arteries or veins
• Control bleeding temporarily
• Hold sutures or ligatures
• Stabilize tissue during suturing
• Provide clearer visibility during operations

This function is vital in nearly every surgical specialty, from general surgery to dentistry to emergency trauma care.

2. Tissue Handling and Grasping. Hemostats allow medical professionals to hold, manipulate, or retract tissue safely without slipping. Their fine tips provide accuracy, while the locking ratchet frees the surgeon’s hands. Common uses include:

• Holding skin or muscle tissue
• Stabilizing wounds for suturing
• Securing drapes or gauze
• Handling delicate anatomical structures

Because of their serrated jaws, hemostats maintain grip even on slippery tissue.

3. Wound Cleaning & Debridement. In emergency medicine and wound care, hemostats help:

• Remove debris from wounds
• Extract splinters or foreign bodies
• Lift or stabilize tissue edges
• Hold gauze, cotton, or swabs during cleaning

Their precise control helps minimize tissue damage during these procedures.

4. Suturing Assistance. Hemostats often work alongside needle holders to:

• Hold suture ends
• Keep thread tension stable
• Control movement in tight or deep spaces
• Assist in knot-tying

The locking mechanism keeps sutures secure without continuous hand pressure.

5. Instrument Handling & Utility Use. Beyond direct medical procedures, hemostats serve dozens of practical purposes within medical facilities:

• Securing tubes and lines
• Clamping IV or catheter tubing
• Holding surgical drapes
• Gripping bandages
• Removing staples or adhesives
• Opening small packages during sterile procedures

Their versatility makes them a standard item in surgical trays and emergency kits.

6. Dental & Veterinary Applications. Dentists and veterinarians frequently use hemostats for:

• Extracting small debris
• Clamping soft tissue
• Handling sutures
• Assisting with extractions
• Repairing wounds

Their precision and locking capability make them ideal for both human and animal procedures.

Types of Hemostats

Hemostats come in a variety of shapes and configurations—each suited to specific tasks.

1. Straight Hemostats. These feature straight jaws for direct, controlled gripping. Their visibility and simplicity make them the most widely used type. Best for:

• General surgery
• Tissue manipulation
• Crafting and sewing
• Electronics work
• Model-building

2. Curved Hemostats. Curved jaws help reach around obstacles and into tight spaces. The angled tip improves access without compromising grip. Used for:

• Internal surgical procedures
• Fishing applications
• Electronics repairs
• Fly tying
• Working behind components in models

3. Locking Hemostats (Ratchet Mechanism). A must for both surgical and crafting applications. Hemostats are defined by their ratchet lock, which:

• Holds tissue or materials securely
• Allows for hands-free stability
• Maintains tension
• Prevents slippage during delicate work

4. Micro or Fine-Tip Hemostats. Their fine jaws excel in micro-scale precision. These miniature tools allow for ultra-precise tasks such as:

• Microsurgery
• Lab work
• Watch repair
• Jewelry making
• Model detailing

5. Serrated vs Smooth Jaw Hemostats

• Serrated jaws: Provide stronger grip—ideal for tissue, wires, hooks, or slippery materials.
• Smooth jaws: Ideal for preventing damage to delicate materials like thread, beads, paper, soft metals

Why Hemostats Are Becoming a Trend in Arts, Crafts & Hobby Work

Though originally medical instruments, hemostats have become a hot tool among crafters, hobbyists, artists, DIYers, model builders, and makers. Their unique combination of precision and locking strength makes them indispensable for modern creative work.

1. Perfect for Handling Small or Delicate Materials. Hemostats allow users to grip these tiny components securely without slipping. Crafters often work with:

• Thread
• Fabric edges
• Beads
• Jewelry findings
• Miniatures
• Resin details
• Model parts

2. The Locking Mechanism = A Third Hand. One of the biggest struggles in crafting is needing to hold something steady while also manipulating tools or materials. This hands-free support is a game-changer for creators. A locking hemostat solves this by:

• Holding thread while tying knots
• Securing fabric while stitching
• Clamping small parts during gluing
• Keeping wires in place during soldering
• Holding findings during jewelry assembly

3. Ideal for Sewing & Textile. Many sewing professionals prefer hemostats over tweezers because the lock provides reliable tension. Sewers use hemostats for:

• Pulling elastic through casing
• Turning fabric tubes
• Threading
• Securing fabric edges
• Gripping slippery materials

4. Essential for Fishing, Fly-Tying & Outdoor Hobbyists. The curved design helps with tough angles, and the locking mechanism prevents accidental slips. In the fishing world, hemostats are used to:

• Remove hooks
• Crimp barbs
• Tie flies
• Handle line
• Secure lures
• Work around wet, slippery surfaces

5. Model Building & Miniatures. A curved hemostat helps reach into tiny, awkward areas of a model.  Model builders and miniature painters rely on hemostats for:

• Holding small parts during painting
• Placing decals
• Gluing small components
• Holding pieces until adhesive dries
• Handling delicate edges

6. Jewelry Making & Beading. Their narrow tips are perfect for intricate work. Hemostats provide controlled handling of:

• Jump rings
• Clasps
• Wire ends
• Chain links
• Micro beads
• Earring components

7. Electronics & Repair Work. The stainless-steel construction withstands heat and pressure. Repair technicians and hobbyists appreciate hemostats for:

• Holding wires while soldering
• Placing micro screws
• Pulling components
• Handling heat-sensitive parts
• Reaching tight spaces in devices

Why Crafters Prefer Hemostats Over Tweezers or Pliers?

They combine the best features of both tools, making them far more versatile in creative work. Compared to tweezers or needle-nose pliers, hemostats offer:

✔ Stronger grip
✔ Locking stability
✔ Slimmer jaws
✔ Tension control
✔ Less hand fatigue

Excel Blades Hemostats: Professional-Grade Tools for Medical, Craft & DIY Use

Excel Blades offers high-quality stainless-steel hemostats engineered for superior precision, durability, and control. They’re ideal for:

• Crafting
• Jewelry making
• Sewing
• Fly tying
• Electronics
• Model building
• And general precision work

You can also pair hemostats with other Excel Blades tools such as:

• Precision knives
• Micro saws
• Tweezers
• Craft scissors
• Soldering support tools

Hemostat vs Forceps: What’s the Difference?

1. Locking Mechanism. The lock is the key differentiator.

• Hemostats: Locking ratchet mechanism
• Forceps: Mostly non-locking

2. Function

• Hemostats: Clamping, holding, stabilizing
• Forceps: Grasping, picking up, manipulating

3. Pressure Level

• Hemostats: Higher pressure, strong clamp
• Forceps: Lower pressure, delicate handling

4. Applications

Use hemostats when you need:

• Hands-free stability
• Secure clamp
• Long-term hold

Use forceps when you need:

• Fine manipulation
• Frequent repositioning
• A softer grip

FAQs About Hemostats

1. Are hemostats only for medical professionals?

No. While originally designed for medicine, hemostats are now widely used in crafting, electronics, fishing, sewing, and DIY.

2. Can I use hemostats to remove splinters?

Yes—many people use fine-tip hemostats for splinter removal, though tweezers are often preferred for gentle extraction.

3. Are hemostats safe to use with electronics?

Yes. Stainless-steel hemostats are heat-resistant and precise, making them great for soldering and component handling.

4. Which is better for sewing—straight or curved hemostats?

Straight hemostats offer better visibility, while curved hemostats help reach tricky angles. Many sewers use both.

5. Can hemostats damage fabric or materials?

Serrated jaws can leave impressions on delicate materials. Choose smooth-jaw hemostats for textiles or soft materials.

6. How should I clean hemostats used for crafting?

Wipe off glue or debris immediately, wash with mild soap, and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.

7. Are hemostats better than tweezers?

For tasks requiring a strong, locked grip, yes. For quick pickup tasks, tweezers may be faster.

Hemostats have transitioned from operating rooms to craft studios, electronics benches, and DIY toolkits. Their precision, locking capability, and durability make them a must-have tool across many industries. Check out Excel Blades Tools today!