free fly tying tools, but you pay a price!

Surgical instruments can sometimes be yours for the asking. Having visiting the emergency room a few times, I have discovered that some surgical kits are disposable so the next time you get patched up, ask the Doctor if you may have the tools he uses on you . All the instruments are usually thrown away, even if only one is used, I have gotten hemostats, scissors, tweezers etc. just for the asking. Also IV tubing can be used for Aussie indicators. If you are more safety minded than me you may also cultivate a friendship with a nurse who can save some for you. (sterilize before using) These tools are usually made in Pakistan and not the greatest but are certainly usable and the price can't be beat!

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Originally Posted by oldster

These tools are usually made in Pakistan and not the greatest but are certainly usable and the price can't be beat!

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So are Dr. Slick's. Scissors seem to be the country's main export.

The Dette's and Darbee's used some kind of hemostat as a hackle plier.

I agree with your suggestions. In fact, I have a very nice pair of forceps that I got over 25 years ago when I went to the hospital Emergency to get stitches following a sports injury. Those forceps were not normally the disposable kind, but they apparently had some type of damage and were going to be thrown out. I can't see where they were damaged, and all I had to do was ask for them -- well, that, and a get a few stitches, and a big bill!