This may already be common knowledge, but I find that a sharpened bicycle spoke makes a really handy tool around the shop. I keep them handy in several places around my shop. The decent ones are generally very stiff stainless steel, but easily form-able for making hooks, etc. too, or anywhere you need a stiff piece of wire. I've got a supply of them from building/rebuilding bike wheels, but bike shops usually throw them away by the dozens and would be a good source for freebies.
