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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Does FST attend University Shows or National Conferences?
Yes, click here for a list of upcoming events.
Does FST carry left-handed instruments?
 FST is proud to offer a large selection of left-handed surgical instruments...

                   Scissors
                        Fine Scissors  (14160-10 & 14161-10)
                        Surgical Scissors  (14008-14)
                     
                  Hemostats
                        Halsted-Mosquito Hemostats  (13108-12 & 13109-12)
 
                  Needle Holders 
                        Olsen-Hegar Needle Holders  (12102-12 & 12512-12)
                        Crile-Wood Needle Holder  (12504-15)
 
                  Ligation Aid
                         Ligation Aid  (18063-13)
Does FST have downloadable product instructions or manuals?
Yes, instructions and/or manuals are available for the following products:
 
Magnetic Fixator Retraction System – Individual parts  (18200-01 to 18200-12) download
Magnetic Fixator Retraction System – Kit for animals up to 200g  (18200-20) download
Magnetic Fixator Retraction System – Kit for animals from 200g up to 5kg  (18200-50) download
 Micro Cannulation System        (18000-10) download
Vascular Occluders  (18080-01, 18080-02 & 18080-03) download
Microtattoo System  (24201-00) download
Safety Scalpel Handle #3  (10006-12) download
Safety Scalpel Blade Cartridges  (10010-10, 10011-10 & 10015-10) download
Hot Bead Sterilizers  (18000-45 & 18000-50) download
Fine Forceps Repair Kit  (29000-00) download
Does FST offer discounts?
All of our customers enjoy the same competitive pricing structure.

Quantity discounts are offered to all customers for our Student Line of instruments.
  • Purchase 5 to 9 of any single Student Line instruments, and receive a 5% discount
  • Purchase 10+ of any single Student Line instruments, and receive a 10% discount
Designed with both quality and economy in mind, our Student Quality instruments are German made, but they have less hand finishing and use less expensive alloys so they can be offered at a considerably lower price.
 
Does FST sell surgical kits?
FST does not supply surgical kits; however our Technical Support Advisor can recommend specific instruments to fit your needs.
How can I place an order with FST?
                  Order Online
                     You can place orders on our website.
 
                  Telephone  
                     +1 800 521 2109  or +1 650 349 1636
                     Weekdays 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Time 
                 
                    Fax  
                     +1 800 523 2109 or +1 650 349 3729       
                  
                  Email  
                     info@finescience.com      
I bought two of the same instruments and they are different.
High quality surgical instruments are handmade which can lead to some minor variations in the dimensions of instruments, particularly between manufacturing sets. This is sometimes evident in the fine spring scissors and the tips of Dumont forceps. 
I do not see the product I'm looking for on the website. Does FST customize tools to my standards?
FST can do some customization of certain tools. Please contact our Customer Service for more information.
What are your finest instruments?
Finest Spring Scissors
     Vannas Spring Scissors  (15000-03 & 15000-04)
     Vannas Spring Scissors  (15000-00 & 15000-10)
     Moria Spring Scissors  (15396-00 & 15396-01)
     Vitrectomy Scissors  (15036-14 & 15037-14)
                        
Finest Forceps
     Dumont Forceps  (11252-00)
     Dumont Forceps  (11254-20)
     Dumont Forceps  (11295-20) 
     Moria Forceps  (11370-40 & 11370-42) 
     Moria Forceps  (11399-80 & 11399-87) 
 
Finest Rongeurs
     Friedman-Pearson Rongeurs  (16220-14 & 16221-14)
       
Finest Retractor
     Mini-Goldstein Retractor  (17002-02)
 
Finest Microknife
     Diamond Knives  (10100-30 & 10100-45)
 
What is the difference between forceps and tweezers?
Forceps and tweezers are interchangeable words. Forceps and tweezers refer to the same products.
What new items came out this year?
Click here to see our New Products.
What are my shipping options?
Click here to see our shipping options.

Returns and Exchanges

What is the procedure for returns?
FST Offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

"If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a full refund."                            
— Hans Gawenda, Chairman of the Board                                                                               

FST has no restocking fee, and it is our goal to make the return process as easy as possible for you.

We offer 3 ways to process a return
  •  Call our Customer Service department at (800) 521-2109 to obtain an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) number.
    • At that time, we will take all necessary information from you over the phone and give you further instructions.
  •  Submit an online request on our Technical Support Page for an RMA number
    • Please include delivery or invoice document number, the FST Item Number and the reason for return in the comments box
    • Once received, we will email you an RMA number and further instructions. 
  •  Ship the items back to our USA Office in an appropriate package
    • A copy of the invoice or delivery note is required and should be included in the package.
    • Indicate the action you require (i.e. exchange, replacement, credit/refund).
    • And return the item(s) to us via the carrier of your choice.  We recommend insuring all packages for their full value and using a carrier that offers shipment tracking.
Due to the legal regulations and for the protection of our employees, every item returned must be accompanied by a completed and signed Declaration of Decontamination form.

All returns should be sent to:
Fine Science Tools
Attn: Returns (and RMA number if you obtained one)
4000 East 3rd Avenue, Suite 100
Foster City, CA 94404

If you receive any item that is damaged or defective, please call our Customer Service department right away to arrange an exchange, and we can provide you a way of returning the item(s) to us at no cost to you.

Repairs

Does FST have a sharpening service?
FST does not offer a sharpening service, but here is the web address of a sharpening service we highly recommend -- corteinstruments.com
                                   
   
Does FST have a repair service?
For repairs, please contact us with your inquiry at info@finescience.com. One of our product specialists will get back to you momentarily.


 

Products and Alloys

What are the green and black forceps / tweezers made of?
Item No. 11626-11, which is a pastel green is Inox with a Teflon coating. Item No. 11220-21, which is a regular green hue is Inox coated with epoxy. Item Nos. 11252-50 and 11272-50 are both Inox coated with ceramic. Item No. 11215-02 is carbon steel coated with epoxy.
What does the black handle on my scissors mean?
Scissors with black handles means they are ToughCut®.

ToughCut® scissors feature two unique cutting edges that cut through the toughest tissue
with exceptional ease and accuracy. One blade is honed to razor sharpness, and the other
is micro-serrated to minimize tissue slippage during cutting.
What does the gold handle on my instrument mean?
Instruments with gold handles means they are made with tungsten carbide.

Tungsten carbide is one of the hardest alloys available and lasts almost two times longer than stainless steel. Tip inlays are either glued or welded into place. For needle holders, tips can be made with a pyramid cross pattern that holds suture needles much more securely.

Compare the extra cost of these instruments with the length of useful wear, and you have a cost effective solution for your instrument requirements.
 
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy, which does exactly what its name implies: stains less than ordinary steel (iron). Yes, it can stain, discolor and rust, given the right circumstances.

To make iron stainless, nickel and chromium are added in certain quantities, depending on the purpose it is being used for and the quality required. The more chromium added to the mix, the softer the alloy becomes, something not desirable in a surgical instrument. Given that, quality medical stainless steel alloy is of a very specific, narrowly defined mix.

A further aspect of making steel "stain less" is a repeated process of extracting surface impurities, mainly minerals. And the final high polish of the finished instrument puts a minute protective coating on it, also very important to make the instrument "stain less". Whether the final product is highly polished or matte finished will make no difference in its stainless ability.
What are the benefits of Titanium?
Titanium instruments are over 40% lighter than equivalent stainless steel instruments, with better flexibility and strength. Elemental titanium (Ti) is a very strong, lustrous, white metal with a specific gravity of 4.54. Titanium and titanium alloys readily form stable protective surface layers, giving them excellent corrosion resistance to saltwater, laboratory saline solutions, blood and other bodily fluids, oxidizing acids, alkalis and chlorides. Titanium is 100% nonmagnetic; a great benefit when working with nerves. Its inherent surface oxide film provides bactericidal and non-allergenic properties. Titanium alloys can be heated up to 440°C (824°F).
What is Ceramic?
One of the hardest materials on Earth, ceramic is used in surgical instruments to form edges that last longer than stainless steel and even longer than tungsten carbide. Ceramic also has a high slide capacity which reduces surface tension and results in a much cleaner cut than metal instruments.
 
Our CeramaCut® scissors combine ToughCut® technology with Tungsten Carbide edges and a ceramic coating for one of the best, cleanest cutting scissors available on the market today.

Dumont Forceps / Tweezers

What are the differences between the Dumont alloys?
Dumont-Alloys-2018-150dpi-(1).jpg
What is the difference between forceps and tweezers?
Forceps and tweezers are interchangeable words. Forceps and tweezers refer to the same products.
What is the difference between the tips of the Dumont forceps / tweezers?
Dumont-Tips-2018-150dpi-(1).jpg
How can I protect the tips and prolong the life of my Dumont forceps / tweezers?
FST carries accessories to aid in the care and maintenance of your delicate Dumont Forceps.
Below are some items used to prolong the lives of your forceps tips.
 
Dumont Forceps Repair Kit  (29000-00)
Sharpening Stone  (29008-22)
Tip Protectors  (29060-00)
O-Rings  (11200-00)
 
 

Product Overview:

Select a product from the categories below.