I have some old hemostats that are great for pulling needles thru seam allowances, reaching things in tight places, pulling cords thru sewn tubes. Also have old suture cutting scissors that have a little hook on one blade that are great for snipping threads. I also buy exam table paper (thicker that tissue paper) for tracing patterns and for paper piecing.
If you can't get used ones, try a Medical Supply store--they're not that expensive surprisingly.