i love "repurposing" of things--these have been used in operating rooms for ages. the heavier ones are known as "mayo" needles--the design goes back to the doctors mayo, of the clinic fame.
i use an old probe from work for turning corners on sewn things. i use old clamps for pulling things through that are too tough for my fingers.
the dentist uses a "crown remover" in his office that is a "towel clip" in the operating room. hubby used to laugh when i'd bring home cast-offs from work, until he fell heir to an old stethescope of mine that he uses in his garage for diagnosing engine problems.
i love my old curved needles. they are functional, and bring back memories! and i use an old cast-off clamp for stitching with them. it saves my fingers.