Thumb forceps are spring forceps used by compression between your thumb and forefinger and are used for grasping, holding or manipulating body tissue. They are non-ratchet style. For example, you could use thumb forceps to hold or move tissue during surgery or to move dressings.

Dressing forceps are used when dressing wounds. They hold gauze and other dressings. They may also be used during wound debridement to remove infected or necrotic tissue or debris from the wound. They may also be used for suturing.