Feeding live tools

[trailblazer295]

Hey guys and gals

A newbie has a feeding question. My BP was fed live at the store and I've carried that on. Now I've read about the dangers of feeding live and the simple steps to doing it safetly. Once I let it loose in the cage I've sat there with a light in one hand and a long shaft phillips screwdriver in the other in case the rat starts to bit the snake while being constricted. So far to date nearly every rat has been caught within 10 seconds of being let loose, most of the time the snake knows something is going on before I even get the box open. I wait until the rat is dead and the Mushu relaxes before walking away and leaving him alone for a few days. He has not been in hurt at all so far but I want to be prepared in case one rat is smart enough to truly fight back while being squeezed. My question is this the right tool to be using or should I buy something else? I've read a number of people are using tongs. Would these be better? Also tips on technique.

Thanks
Scott