Self-locking forceps for gripping and transporting small objects and usable in particular in dental surgery, said forceps comprising two branches that intersect freely and have a proximal manoeuvring part and a distal gripping part, the proximal parts being joined elastically at one of their ends, while the distal parts end in jaws, such that the closing together of the proximal parts or grips causes the distal parts to spread apart, while release of the pressure exerted on said proximal parts is translated into an automatic closing together of the distal parts and therefore of the jaws in a clamping position; at least one of said jaws is provided with a cushion of flexible material; said self-locking forceps being provided with a means for limiting the clamping force generated by the return force of the spring formed by the proximal parts of the forceps.