If one were to use the tool properly it could probably be made out of hardwood except for the grip screws. There is little strain on a loading tool actually. Especially for loading. It is necessary to get a tool with a flange in the hole that accepts the follower button. Without the flange the tool has nothing to grip..it hooks behind the button holding it on while it is pushed down.
It's other purpose is to rotate the firing pin out of the bolt. I always push in with my finger but the firing pin retainer has a slot for the tool.
The grip screws can be a bit sticky so that might break my wooden tool.. Almost any tool with a flange will work..I have seen them on eBay for $10-12 bucks?
This one has NO flange! Not worth a plug nickel.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GERMAN-P08-L...item3a7cd86f8e
Another eBay offering with NO flange! WORTHLESS!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GERMAN-STRIP...item2ec46c8ea8
I just looked at 6-8 offerings on eBay for cheap tools and I could not detect a flange on any of them. The all look to be made the same..some cheap Pakistany junk.
If Simpson't has a good one for $30 that's your best bet IMO.