Tool

Tool

A tool is a device that can be used to produce or achieve something, but that is not consumed in the process. Colloquially a tool can also be a procedure or process used for a specific purpose. Tools that are used in particular fields or activities may have different designations such as "instrument", "utensil", "implement", "machine", "device," or "apparatus".

History

The set of tools needed to perform different tasks that are part of the same activity is called gear or equipment. While one may apply the term tool loosely to many things that are means to an end (e.g., a fork), strictly speaking an object is a tool only if, besides being constructed to a purpose, it is also made of a material that allows its user to apply to it various degrees of force. If repeated use wears part of the tool down (like a knife blade), it may be possible to restore it; if it wears the tool out or breaks it, the tool must be replaced. Thus tools are the means to the manufacture of tools, creating a feedback loop called the technosphere.

Types of Tools

Tools can be classified as hand tools, power tools, machine tools and cutting tools. Hand tools include the hammer, screwdriver, chisel and plane. Power tools are often driven by electric motors and include the drill, circular saw, bandsaw and chainsaw. Machine tools include the lathe, milling machine, planer, and grinder. Cutting tools include the knife, scissors and saw.

See Also

• List of tool types
• Tool use by animals
• Toolmaker
• Tool (disambiguation)

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