When summarising the principles behind successful zone II flexor tendon repair surgery, technical perfection through experience appears of prime importance. The authors present a device intended to allow inexperienced surgeons to gain the necessary skill in a laboratory environment. The detail of the practicalities regarding construction and use of this "surgical training simulator" are specifically addressed. Conclusions are drawn after four years of experience with the device, and extension of the simulated training concept to other fields in hand surgery is recommended.