Security Advisory sites usually list the Top (recommended by users) Security/Networking tools. I think SecurityFocus.com has a list of the "Best" ones.
There you will find tools that a lot of people use on Linux/Unix/Windows/BSD etc, however Security Consultants probably use either these tools or have created their own tools, which may or may not be available to the public, you'll just have to hunt for them.
Even though it's not illegal for these tools, it can violate the agreement you have with your ISP and some other parties. If you get reported, then you should not complain as you knew what consequences you could face and it could be taken further if any signs of unauthorised access was attempted multiple times.
Unless you own the network, or have explicit permission from the owner (written and signed form would be good) you should not attempt to use them on those networks.
If you do decide to use these tools, read the heavily documented manuals, look up specific areas that you're not understanding until you understand it. I find a lot of people want ease of use, but the fact is that these tools were designed for a specific purpose that the end user should already know about before using these tools. This is to save a lot of people the hassle of being asked for help and only when technical questions are encountered, would it be a good idea to ask? (dependant on the person too).
Cheers,
MC
Comment/Reply (w/o sign-up)