I wasn’t sure whether to post this in the fly-tying area or not, but I figured this might be helpful to more people if I listed it here.
Do you ever have a problem with ripping the sides of those little plastic baggies that hooks and other things come in? This link goes to a short video which shows a way to open them so you don’t split them down the side. It was VERY helpful for me and I hope it is for you as well! Enjoy!
So simple that it may make a person feel stupid…not ME of course! 
Thanks,
Mike
You have no idea how many of those bags I have ripped down the sides on opening them. Thanks for the link.
REE
The only ones I use now have the slider on them. I hate trying to get the regular ones sealed in the first place. I have ripped my fair share of the regular ones though. That is a great tip.
You sayin’ using ones teeth is probably not the best way?
Actually, that’s a great idea, that and a bit of patience! Now, if someone will come up with a way to open a box of 100 size 28 Mustads without popping the box at the last second, and spewing bitty little hooks all over … yep … that’ll be a good day, too!!
Betty; I know what you mean lol lol Actually, I have put my hook boxes in a paper bag to open since the last mishap lol lol
So easy - even a caveman can do it! Btw, you can open up those pesky kitchen garbage bags the same way - except you need to wet the tip of your thumb and fore finger. Good for produce bags at the grocery store also. Although I enjoyed the video, I think I’ll wait for the book to come out, since the "book is always better!) LOL!!!
Best regards, Dave S.
speak for yourself, Dave, spitting on my finger doesn’t seem to help one iota if you always seem to find yourself holding them upside down like me . . .
steve
Well here comes you “boy” to the rescue “ma”. Make one of these a part of your tying arsenal:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947086000P
Just open your hook packages over top of the mat. You can also buy bulk sheet magnetic material that you cut yourself to make a custom fit on your tying bench:
http://www.magnetking.com/?gclid=CLOx36je8acCFUx95QodXBrOag#psamagnet
You might want to experiment with any of those business card type refrigerator magnets that you may have on the old cool-a-rator.
Word of caution! Even though these are low intensity magnets do not set them on top of you PC or too close to your other electronics or you could harm your equipment.
Betty,
If Erics magnetic mat suggestion doesn’t work, you can always get one of these. Might be a LITTLE over-kill though??
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26663136/ns/technology_and_science-science/
Best regards, Bipolar Dave - Make that Tripolar!!