"Whilst any good ironmonger can supply cold chisels and strong knives or trowels, he is very unlikely to have safe and suitable hammers in stock. The steel of ordinary domestic and many trade hammers is far too soft for use on most rocks. It will splinter and flying fragments of steel can cause nasty wounds, particularly to the eyes, not only of the hammerer but also of his companions." Fossils in Colour - 1967 - J.F. Kirkaldy, D.Sc. Formally Head of the Department of Geology, Queen Mary College London.

The rocks at Crakaig often contain Jurassic Fossils. These will need to be split open. You will need the right tools for this. Sometimes Kimmeridge clay can be exposed on the foreshore, when this happens, it is always handy to take a pick.

Chisel Picks: These should be used for splitting rocks, at Crakaig the rocks are ideal for splitting. Standard geological hammers are also suitable. You can also use a chisel with the flat end for more delicate or if you plan to use splitting chisels.

Picks: When the clay is exposed on the foreshore at Crakaig, a pick comes in handy. However this requires scour to clear the beach which does not happen very often.

Chisels: Standard cold chisels are suitable for Crakaig. It is best to take a wide splitting chisel, a standard 1" and a smaller chisel for finer work. These will be fine for splitting the rocks.

Safety Wear: Goggles or Safety Glasses are absolutely essential when using hammers and chisels.

Specimen Bags: These are ideal for Crakiag. Sealable Clear Specimen Bags can hold your finds. These can be purchased from UKGE for low prices and can easily be re-used.

Geological Bags: Strong, Waterproof and durable geological bags that last years are ideal for any keen fossil hunter. These quality bags from Estwing are ideal for bringing back those heavy rocks that you wish to split back home and to hold your fossil finds.

Footwear: Hiking Boots are recommended fine for Crakiag because the shore can be rocky and when the tide goes out, it can leave areas of water.