Abstract: A holding apparatus has: a first sleeve having a first arm and a first handle; a second sleeve having a second arm and a second handle; a coupling element that couples together the first and second sleeves about an axis of rotation, with an overlap between the first and second arms upon sufficient rotation of the second sleeve about the axis of rotation towards a closed position of the holding apparatus; an adjustable receiving structure formed of inwardly oriented receiving surfaces of the first and second arms and configured to receive and retain an object upon sufficient rotation of the second sleeve about the axis of rotation towards the closed position; a quick release mechanism; and an adjustable sizing element configured to be in releasable engagement with the quick release mechanism that releasably maintains an adjustable size of the adjustable receiving structure.