Tools for hots

[The_Omen]

I reently got into hots, starting with a northern copperhead (Agkistrodon c mokasen) and am building up on the tools to use, such as various hooks and other items, usually built by me, such as catchbox, work box, shields etc.
But I want to know what everyones #1 tool or favorite tool to use, something you grab first and use the most, per se.

Gloves, L hooks etc, be specific and say why you use what you use :)

[The_Omen]

reently = recently, up there :)

[psilocybe]

hooks of various sizes

[Gregg M]

Hooks hooks and hooks........ I always have a standard hook near by at all times...... I never use grabbers or tongs...... Tubes are always good to have around also...... I never wear gloves..... No need for them and they will not stop bitis fangs....... Plus they are hard to work with......

[edh]

Your common sense!!!!

:D

[cantil]

a good set of hemostats, 24" at least.

[cobraman]

Hands, Flip-flops, scrub brushes, dust pans, and hands! JUST KIDDING!!!!!


Hooks of appropriate size and strenght for the snake, pinning sticks, WHITNEY tongs (my favorite) I have 2 sizes of tongs., 24-36 inch forsceps, Tubes, Eye protection, Various gloves, Antivenom (if you have a BB-IND permit), and an Emergency Protocol Grab book (includes your medical history, last labs, antivenom sources, next of kin, living will, etc. I am always happy to help people set theirs up)

All the very best!

[Mustangrde1]

dust pans??????????? since when?

Mine are hooks hooks and more hooks or for pesky little pigmy rattlers 32 inch tweezers work great.

Large Bitis its hard to beat a snow shovel though.

No tongs for me although they do make useful tools for cleaning poop oout of cages.

[cobraman]

I am not necessarily recommending the use of tongs (As you know, I hardly ever use them), but I feel it should be almost mandatory to have a set if you keep Mambas, and stuff of that sort.

[-WilleM-]

why shouldn't you use tongs that many?
I know it can hurt the snake,but when you are carefull it can be very handy I think,or not?

[VooDooMafia]

Hooks, tubes, Shield (piece of plexi glass attached to the end of a golf club shaft), A list of phone #'s ppl or myself can contact incase needed, large rubbermaid tubs, a pinning tool (although not used much), face mask (for those spitters), "The Extractor" (sold for bee/wasp stings but better then nothing untill you get medical attention).

Those are just some of the things that are always around and in close reach if needed.

You have to remember when working with hots you can never be to carefull.

I would have to agree about teh gloves I think they are a waist of money and if anything will contribute to a bite as they are super hard to work with and keep those hots were they should be. Just find a pair fo gloves that you cant stand wearing and try and use some hooks (with non hots of course) and you will see.

Personally I prefer to remove the snakes from there cages when cleaning and put them in a secure tub so even though the tongs are around they are alittle dusty lol.

[The_Omen]

Thanks for all the input everyone :)
As for a protocol, I have it complete, using Sean Bush' papers for the main body, treatments etc and the personal medical pages filled out for every member of the household.
Quite a lot of info in it :)
I can post pics to it here, but here's a thread about it - Bite Protocol Book Thread (http://www.herpkingdom.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=62)

[The_Omen]

Geez.. I need more coffee..
I 'can't' post pics here...