Post Mortem Shears for Rib and Skull Cutting
Autopsy work demands instruments that cut through bone cleanly and without slipping. Rib shears open the chest cavity, and skull shears allow access to the cranium, so each one has to be strong, well balanced and comfortable to use through a full session. Our post mortem shears collection brings together rib and skull shears for pathologists, forensic teams, mortuary technicians and hospital purchasing departments who want clearly described instruments at clear prices. Whether you are equipping a hospital mortuary, a forensic unit or a teaching department, you can compare each pattern and build a set that suits your workload and your team.
Types of Post Mortem Shears We Offer
Rib shears. The Post Mortem Rib Shears London Pattern 9.5" measure 241 mm, a compact pattern that is easier to control. The Pollock Rib Shears 12.25" measure 311 mm and offer more leverage for cutting thicker ribs. The Eslander Rib Shear gives a third pattern and is offered with selectable options.
Skull shears. The Skull Shear is designed for cutting the cranium during examination of the brain.
Why Shear Quality Matters
Bone is hard, so shears must hold their alignment under heavy force. A well-made pair closes evenly, keeps its edge and transfers your grip into a clean cut instead of a crush. Longer handles give more leverage, while shorter handles give more control, so the pattern you choose changes how the work feels. Reliable shears also keep a session moving, because fewer adjustments and replacements mean fewer interruptions for the team. Check the specifications on each product page carefully, then clean and dry the shears promptly after use and follow your facility's cleaning and reprocessing protocol.
How to Choose the Right Shears
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Task: Choose rib shears for the chest and skull shears for the cranium.
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Length: Longer shears such as the 311 mm Pollock give more leverage, while shorter ones such as the 241 mm London pattern are easier to handle.
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Grip: Check that the handles fit your hand comfortably, since you may use them for many cases in a row.
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Set planning: List what each procedure needs, and add spares for the shears you use most.
Inspect the blades and pivot before every case, and replace any shears that are loose or damaged. Keep spares ready for busy departments too.
Complete Your Post Mortem Set
Shears are only one part of an autopsy set. Explore these related categories to build a complete tray, from cutting and dissection through to closure:
Ordering from Peak Surgicals
We ship worldwide, and orders above $99 qualify for free shipping. See our shipping policy for details. Not sure which shears suit your work? Contact our team and we will help you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are post mortem shears used for?
Post mortem shears cut through bone during an autopsy. Rib shears open the chest by cutting the ribs, and skull shears allow access to the cranium. Browse the full post mortem shears collection to see the available patterns.
2. What is the difference between London pattern and Pollock rib shears?
They differ mainly in size and leverage. The London pattern is shorter at about 241 mm, which makes it easier to control, while the Pollock is longer at about 311 mm and gives more cutting leverage.
3. How do I choose between rib shears and a bone saw?
Shears cut with a closing action and suit ribs and thin bone, while a saw is used for thicker bone and for cranial cuts. Many autopsy sets include both. See our post mortem saws collection.
4. How should post mortem shears be cleaned and cared for?
Clean them thoroughly after each case, dry them fully and inspect the blades and pivot for wear. Follow your facility's infection control and reprocessing protocol and the manufacturer's instructions.
5. Do you ship internationally, and is shipping free?
Yes, we ship worldwide, and orders above $99 qualify for free shipping. Delivery details are in our shipping policy, and you can reach our team through the contact page.
