The invention provides tongs (10) for grasping items that may be releasably locked in a closed position by a rotating locking mechanism (22). In accordance with the invention, the tongs comprise a pair of elongate members (14, 16) joined at a hinge point (17) for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position for gripping items. A locking mechanism is disposed for rotation about a longitudinal axis extending between the elongate members and configured to rotate between an unlocking position and a locking position, releasably locking the elongate members in the closed position. Preferably the locking mechanism comprises a stop portion (42) defining, in cross-section, a first wider dimension (44) and a second narrower dimension (46) whereby when the locking mechanism is rotated to the locking position, the wider dimension stops pivotal movement of the elongate members.