Just think of it for a minute. You're trying to hold onto something (or hold two things together) in the midst of a complicated work step and need to let go for a minute - but don't have three hands. The virtue of a precision locking pliers is obvious. The two Clamps (one straight and the other with a curved tip) are overall 5'' long with a gripping length is 1-1/2''. Available as a pair. PVC coated stainless steel.
The Slide Locking Tweezer is a handy partner (sold separately). Tweezers and pliers also come in a pre-packaged bundle.