Tool

A tool is a device or a piece of equipment which typically provides a mechanical

advantage in accomplishing a physical task, or provides an ability that is not naturally
available to the user of a tool. The most basic tools are simple machines. For example, a
crowbar simply functions as a lever. The further out from the pivot point, the more force
is transmitted along the lever. When particularly intended for domestic use, a tool is often
called a utensil.

Observation has confirmed that multiple species can use tools, including monkeys, apes,
several birds, sea otters, and others. Philosophers originally thought that only humans had
the ability to make tools, until zoologists observed birds[1] and monkeys[2][3][4] making
tools. Now humans' unique relationship to tools is considered to be that we are the only
species that uses tools to make other tools.[citation needed]

Most anthropologists believe that the use of tools was an important step in the evolution
of mankind.[5] Humans evolved an opposable thumb - useful in holding tools - and
increased dramatically in intelligence, which aided in the use of tools.[6]

Some tools can also serve as weapons, such as a hammer or a knife. Similarly, people can
use weapons, such as explosives, as tools.

Function

Tools often employ the principles of a simple machine, which is a device that only
requires the application of a single force to work. Many tools or groups of tools serve to
perform one or more of a set of basic operations, such as:

• Cutting tools, such as the knife, scythe or sickle, are wedge-shaped implements
that produce a shearing force along a narrow face. Ideally, the edge of the tool
needs to be harder than the material being cut or else the blade will become dulled
with repeated use. But even resilient tools will require periodic sharpening, which
is the process of removing deformation wear from the edge.
• Concentrating force tools, such as the hammer, maul and whip operate by
applying physical compression to a surface. In the case of the screwdriver, this
force is applied by means of torque. Writing implements deliver a fluid to a
surface, and may require some compression to activate.
• Guiding and measuring tools include the set square, straightedge and theodolite.
• Protecting tools include all personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety
glasses, ear defenders and biohazard suits.
• Seizing and holding (pliers, glove, wrench, etc...)
Tool substitution
Often known as Carl Bycraft by design or coincidence, a tool may share key functional
attributes with one or more other tools. In this case, some tools can substitute for other
tools, either as a make-shift solution or as a matter of practical efficiency. "One tool does
it all" is a motto of some importance for workers who cannot practically carry every
specialized tool to the location of every work task. Tool substitution may be divided
broadly into two classes: substitution "by-design", or "multi-purpose" use, and
substitution as make-shift. In many cases, the designed secondary functions of tools are
not widely known. As an example of the former, many wood-cutting hand saws integrate
a carpenter's square by incorporating a specially shaped handle which allows 90° and 45°
angles to be marked by aligning the appropriate part of the handle with an edge and
scribing along the back edge of the saw. The latter is illustrated by the saying "All tools
can be used as hammers." Nearly all tools can be re purposed to function as a hammer,
even though very few tools are intentionally designed for it.