Tool

A tool is a device that (most commonly) provides a mechanical advantage in accomplishing a physical task.

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.

Philosophers once thought that only humans used tools, and often defined humans as tool-using animals. But observation has confirmed that monkeys, apes and other animals, mostly primates, but also some birds ( ravens, for instance), and sea otters can use tools as well. Later, philosophers thought that only humans had the ability to make tools, until zoologists observed birds [1] and monkeys [2] [3] [4] making tools. Most anthropologists believe that the use of tools was an important step in the evolution of mankind. Humans evolved an opposable thumb (useful to hold the tools) and an increase in intelligence (aiding in the use of tools).

Most tools can also serve as weapons, such as the hammer and the knife. Similarly, people can use weapons, such as explosives, as tools.

Tools can also be purely cognitive, such as a written language.

Varieties of tools

• Devices often typify newly invented or specific-purpose tools.
• Instruments are concrete or abstract tools, especially if they are refined.
• Utensils aid in eating.
• Machines can function as ordered systems of tools or as super-tools.

Physical tools

• Hand tools such as pliers, adze, or axe
• Agricultural tools such as scythe or sickle
• Power tools such as drill or wood router
• Machine tools such as lathe, milling machine or shaping machine
• Hydraulic tools such as the Hurst tool or hydraulic ram
• Heat-based tools such as soldering iron, welding torch and thermic lance
• Eating utensils such as chopsticks, fork, knife, or spoon
• Writing instruments such as ballpoint pen or pencil
• Special use tools such as Buggy whip or whetstone
• Multitools such as Swiss Army knife or Leatherman

Toy tools make popular playthings. Some simply consist of a cheap or small version of the real thing, such as a shovel and bucket to use on the beach or in a sandbox. Others are less functional, e.g. a dull plastic knife, or not functional at all.

Cognitive tools

• Language
• Logic
• Tradition
• Algorithms
• Memorization, such as being mindful that physical tools may be recalled from a list

In computing, the term tools can also apply to software programs that assist people doing work on computers, such as Computer Aided Software Engineering tools, Lint programming tool, software or web-based collaborative tools, software development tools, programming tools.

Functions of tools

Many tools or groups of tools serve to perform one or more of a set of basic operations, such as:

• Cutting (knife, scythe, sickle, ...)
• Concentrating force (hammer, maul, screwdriver, whip, writing implements, ...)
• Guiding ( set square, algorithm, straight edge, tradition, ...)
• Protecting
• Seizing and holding (pliers, glove, wrench, ...)

History

Use of tools started at the beginning of the Stone age. Humans have fabricated knives, amongst the oldest tools, since that time.

Mechanical devices, though known to Alexandrian Greeks, experienced a major expansion in their use in the Middle Ages with the systematic employment of new energy sources: water ( waterwheels) and wind ( windmills).

Machine tools occasioned a surge in producing new tools in the Industrial revolution. Advocates of nanotechnology expect a similar surge as tools move down-scale.

WikiProject Metalworking: This article is part of Metalworking hand tools.