Positioners, stereotactic tools, and distractions. machines that cut (scalpels, lancets, trocars, Harmonic scalpel, rongeurs etc.) Dilators and specula are used to access incisions or small channels. Tubes and suction tips are used to remove body fluids.

There is a lot of use of clamps, retractors, scissors, scalers, and forceps. Some surgical procedures necessitate a more specific collection of tools due to their nature. For instance, bone saws, files, drills, and mallets are frequently used in orthopaedic surgery.