A pair of tongs with two tong limbs are connected rotatably to each other in a joint in which they are inserted and which has an axially fixed joint pin. The tong limbs are only rotatable with respect to each other. A working region and a handle region are formed in each case on one tong limb. A receiving tong limb is designed with an insertion slot which has a slot width in the region of the joint and through which the other inserted tong limb is inserted. The working regions of the tong limbs have a greater width, at least in part, than the slot width. The handle region of the inserted tong limb has a width and, if appropriate, a thickness which corresponds to the slot width. The handle covering has a reinforcing element.