Tool

A tool is a device that provides a mechanical or mental advantage in accomplishing a task.

Varieties of tools

• Devices often typifies a newly invented or specific-purpose tool.
• Implements tends to be a small and relatively simple tool.
• Instruments are a concrete or abstract tool, in particular a refined one.
• Utensils aid in eating
• Machines can function as an ordered system of tools or as a super-tool.
• Cadigans can represent a generic tool or a part thereof.

Physical tools

• Hand tools such as pliers, adze, axe, chisel, clamp, drill, file, hammer, Halligan bar, machete, plane, saw, screwdriver, shovel, stone tool, straightedge, rake, ruler, tire iron, scissors, wrenches.
• Agricultural tools such as scythe, sickle.
• Power tools such as crusher, drill, paper shredder, power grader, wire bonder, wood router.
• Machine tools such as lathe, milling machine, shaping machine,grinding machine, pillar drill as used in metalworking.
• Hydraulic tools such as the Hurst tool or hydraulic ram.
• Pneumatic tools such as pneumatic grinder, pneumatic sander, pneumatic drill, pneumatic screwdriver, pneumatic tapping machine, pneumatic hammer, pneumatic hack saw, pneumatic trimmer.
• Heat-based tools such as soldering irons, welding torches and thermic lances
• Eating utensils such as chopsticks, fork, knife, spoon.
• Food preparation utensils
• Cleaning utensils, e.g. a brush, including toothbrush and broomstick, a cloth, a washing-glove, and cloths for drying, often after washing, e.g. a towel.
• Writing instruments such as ballpoint pen, brush, fountain pen, pencil, quill, stylus.
• Measuring instruments, Musical instruments
• Special use tools: Buggy whip, Ox goad, vibrator, whetstone, hair dryer, egg poker, flat iron, fireplace poker
• Multitools: Swiss Army knife, Leatherman
• Sports equipment: Jump rope, Punching bag, Chess pieces, Pommel horse (gymnastics)
• Other household implements such as backscratcher, bottle opener, can opener, fan, flyswatter, syringe, toothbrush, washcloth (or flannel).

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.

Related Topics:
Toy - Shovel - Bucket - Beach - Sandbox - Plastic - Knife

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Mental tools

• Language
• Logic
• Tradition
• Algorithms

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.

Related Topics:
Computing - Computer Aided Software Engineering tool - Lint programming tool - Collaborative tool - Software development tool - Programming tool

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Slang Usage

Stemming from a double-entendre where a "tool" is a phallus; this became a popular word in the 1990's. Individuals may be described as "tools", as an insult meaning that someone is a klutz or easily taken advantage of.

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