A pivot tipped rod forceps instrument for surgical procedures is provided. The rod forceps has handle members attached at a pin. A pivoting jaw assembly having a pivoting tip is disposed at a distal end of each handle member. The pivoting jaw assembly is opened to receive a surgical rod or other object to be placed by the surgeon. The jaw assembly is then closed to engage the object. The pivoting tips are contoured to tightly engage the surgical rod. Once the rod is held by the tips, the whole pivoting jaw assembly can be rotated to a desired angle to aid the surgeon in manipulating the rod or other item as desired.
