Ok so, seeing as my episode of @specimenspod is now live, I had best put something on here vaguely work related and interesting. So here goes... LOOK AT MY MIGHTY TOOLS.
1. Rib shears

Used for cutting through that cartilage of the ribs to remove the chest plate, which doesn't take much force. My tiny hands much prefer the smaller rib shears. Bigger isn't always better

You can also use this thing to cut the ribs. Using the rib hook has benefits - v. clean cut and is quick - but not suitable for all cases. And you still have to use rib shears to cut the 1st rib. That means more washing up, which is to be avoided at all costs.

2. Mallet. Or "hitty thing" if my brain isn't working. Used to help remove the calvarium, amongst other things. I much prefer the rubber mallet because when used with the metal T-piece (next one), you are able to hear the bone cracking, unlike when you have metal hitting metal.

3. T-piece/skull key. Or "twisty thing" - hit this with the hitty thing. When you are removing the calvarium (skull cap), ideally you want the Dura kept intact. To do this, you leave a v. thin bit of bone remaining when you use the head saw (much practice and patience needed)...

You then put the T-bar in the saw cut and hit with the mallet, breaking the sliver of bone. It's not as dramatic as it sounds! You then twist the bar which *should* lift the calvarium off the intact Dura. Successfully done, it sounds almost like peeling an orange.

I'm terms of preference, I just like the one on the left as it is slightly thinner, and longer, and I am just picky.

THIS IS MY NEEDLE. THERE ARE MANY LIKE IT, BUT THIS IS MINE.

I don't know a single APT who doesn't have a favourite needle. Woe betide anyone who uses this when I am working. My trainee also likes this needle; it's the only time I pull rank in the PM room.

How do people usually end threads? Cos I'm done. If there's any questions I will do my best to answer, otherwise I will retreat back into lurking mode