Written and maintained by CASRAI Editorial Board
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This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice.
Bonney forceps are tissue forceps with a small number of interlocking teeth at the tip, sold under the pattern name “Bonney” by surgical instrument makers. In published catalogue listings the standard version is “1 x 2 teeth” and is about 17.5 to 18 cm long. Lengths and details vary by maker, so the listing in front of you is the specification.
Classification in listings: one maker files its Bonney forceps under General Surgery.
What Bonney forceps are
Bonney forceps are a manual, hand-held tissue forceps. Manufacturers name the pattern in the product title, for example “Tissue forceps, acc. to Bonney, 1 x 2 teeth, length 17.5 cm” (KLS Martin) and “Tissue forceps BONNEY, 1 x 2 teeth, 18 cm, heavy pattern” (Eickemeyer). KLS Martin’s record also lists “Bonney” as the pattern’s author, the discipline as General Surgery, and the number of teeth as 1:2.
How they are built
A forceps is a hand-manipulated instrument with no power source. The Bonney listings give the tooth count and the length. One listing (Livingstone PDTF180B) gives stainless steel as the material. The other two listings do not state a material, so this page does not assume one.
Teeth, pattern and length in published listings
| Listing | Length | Teeth | Other stated detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLS Martin 12-451-18-07 | 17.5 cm | 1 x 2 (recorded as 1:2) | General Surgery discipline; listed as non-sterile, with instructions for use among its technical documents |
| Eickemeyer 132618 (heavy pattern) | 18 cm (180 mm) | 1 x 2 | “Strong forceps with wide handle and a special non-slip serration” |
| Livingstone PDTF180B | 18 cm | 1 x 2 | Stainless steel |
Source: each maker’s product page, checked 2026-10-30. Rows describe one product each, not the whole market. The table shows that two makers publish different lengths (17.5 cm and 18 cm) for a product both call 1 x 2 Bonney, and that “heavy pattern” is a named variant at least one maker uses.
Regulatory class in the United States
The FDA regulation 21 CFR 878.4800, “Manual surgical instrument for general use”, covers nonpowered, hand-held or hand-manipulated devices, reusable or disposable, intended for use in various general surgical procedures. Its list of included devices names forceps. The regulation classifies the device type as Class I (general controls) and exempts it from premarket notification under subpart E of part 807, subject to the limitations in 21 CFR 878.9 (eCFR, checked 2026-10-30).
This describes the regulation for the device type. It does not say that every individual Bonney product is exempt, because the limitations in 878.9 and a given manufacturer’s intended use still apply.
How to read a Bonney listing
- Pattern name: “Bonney” or “acc. to Bonney” in the title.
- Teeth: written “1 x 2 teeth” in titles; KLS Martin’s specification field shows “1:2”.
- Length: read the stated figure rather than assuming it, since the published listings above differ by 0.5 cm.
- Variant words: “heavy pattern” appears in one maker’s title and is described in that listing as a wide handle with non-slip serration.
- Sterility and documents: KLS Martin states the product is non-sterile and lists instructions for use. Cleaning, sterilization and handling then follow the maker’s instructions for use.
Handling and instructions for use
General handling for any reusable surgical instrument follows the manufacturer’s instructions for use, including whether the instrument is supplied sterile or needs reprocessing before use. For how forceps types compare more broadly, see our medical forceps types guide. For a neighbouring hand instrument, see what a hemostat is. This page does not describe clinical technique.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1 x 2 teeth mean on Bonney forceps?
It is the tooth configuration printed in the product title; KLS Martin records the same value as “1:2” in its specification table. The listings do not define it further.
How long are Bonney forceps?
The published listings give 17.5 cm (KLS Martin) and 18 cm (Eickemeyer, Livingstone). Check the specific listing.
What is a heavy pattern Bonney forceps?
Eickemeyer uses “heavy pattern” in its 18 cm Bonney title and describes the instrument as strong forceps with a wide handle and a special non-slip serration.
Are Bonney forceps regulated by the FDA?
Manual surgical instruments for general use, which include forceps, are Class I and exempt from premarket notification under 21 CFR 878.4800, subject to 21 CFR 878.9. Whether a specific product qualifies depends on its manufacturer’s intended use.
For related instruments and wound-care workflows, see wound closure kit contents and what a surgical retractor is. Instruments in this family are sold in the forceps category at lac.us.
Sources
- FDA, 21 CFR 878.4800 Manual surgical instrument for general use, eCFR, https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-H/part-878/subpart-E/section-878.4800, checked 2026-10-30.
- KLS Martin, Tissue forceps acc. to Bonney 12-451-18-07, https://www.klsmartin.com/shop/en/products/product/12-451-18-07/, checked 2026-10-30.
- Eickemeyer, Tissue forceps BONNEY 132618, https://www.eickemeyer.co.uk/shop/132618-tissue-forceps-bonney-1-x-2-teeth-18-cm-heavy-pattern-15926, checked 2026-10-30.
- Livingstone, Perfect Bonney Tissue Forceps PDTF180B, https://www.livingstone.com.au/products/pdtf180b-perfect-bonney-tissue-forceps-18cm-1×2-teeth-s-s-theatre-ea, checked 2026-10-30.
