The next time you visit your Dentist, ask if he/she has any of the dental tools they plan on throwing out. Those small picks and mirrows are invaluble in assisting your work on engines etc.

As Dentists regularly throw them out, ask for them, you'll find yourself using them more than you might initially think.

 

I'll second this idea. They're "must have" tools. I've had about a dozen of these (of all different tip styles) that I got from my dentist several years ago. I find they're particularly useful for probing around on printed circuit boards for suspected loose connections or "cold" solder joints. These, along with a 10X jewler's eyepiece, have allowed me to find and fix nagging problems on the PC boards for several pieces of equipment. Otherwise I would have had to throw away the equipment & buy a replacement (including my high-efficiency home water heater!). Having these picks available has saved me a lot of money!

 

I've used those picks for a long time. The ones you buy at the store don't compare to quality stainless. Most dentists will reshape and sharpen them till there's not much left though. My dentist gave me a really great one. Looked like the normal pick, but had a little file on the end. I use mine for lots of scrapping work.

I wanted one for the longest time and finally asked. Told him why I needed one and he pulled out a whole box of used ones and picked out a half dozen, handed them over...

 

My dentist started saving them for me. All you have to do is ask.
The small burrs etc. are great in a dremel tool

 

These dental tools are often for sale at Sportsman's Expos that are held around the country. It's probably not worth the price of admission just for the tool but if you are going anyway?

CLPF350

 

I use old dental tools mainlt for my RC cars and paintball guns.
They are very helpful for automotive work also.

 

There are some that are like a small putty knife - the "blade" is about 1/4" wide. They are very thin and somewhat flexible but very strong. They are the best tool you'll find for working on automatic transmission clutch pack seals.
Pilgrim