Tool

simple:Tool A tool is a device used to augment a species' natural abilities. \nThe most basic tools are the simple machines. Although tools were once thought to be used only by humans, it has been observed that chimpanzees and other animals, mostly primates, but also some birds (for instance ravens) are able to use them as well. Most tools can also be used as weapons, such as the hammer and knife. Similarly, weapons, such as explosives, can be used as tools.

Varieties of tools

\n* Hand tools such as pliers, adze, axe, chisel, drill, file, hammer, Halligan bar, machete, plane, saw, screwdriver, shovel, stone tool, straightedge, rake, ruler, tire iron, scissors, wrenches.\n*Agricultural tools such as scythe, sickle.\n* Power tools such as crusher, drill, paper shredder, power grader, wire bonder, wood router.\n*Hydraulic tools such as the Hurst tool or hydraulic ram.\n* Heat-based tools such as soldering irons, welding torches and thermic lances\n* Eating utensils such as chopsticks, fork, knife, spoon.\n* Food preparation utensils\n* 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.\n* Writing instruments such as ballpoint pen, brush, fountain pen, pencil, quill, stylus.\n* Measuring instruments, Musical instruments\n*Special use tools: Buggy whip, Ox goad, dildo, vibrator, knife sharpener, blow dryer, egg poker, flat iron\n*Multitools: Swiss Army knife, Leatherman\n* Sports equipment: Jump rope, Punching bag, Chess pieces, Pommel horse (gymnastics)\n* Other household implements such as backscratcher, bottle opener, can opener, fan, flyswatter, syringe, toothbrush, washcloth (or flannel). An instrument is a concrete or abstract tool, in particular a refined one. Toy tools are popular. Some are just a cheap or small version of the real thing, such as a shovel and bucket to use on the beach and in the sandbox. Others are less functional, e.g. a dull plastic knife, or not functional at all. In computing, software programs that assist people doing work on computers are also called tools, such as Computer Aided Software Engineering tool, Lint programming tool, software or web-based collaborative tools, software development tools, programming tools. Tool also means "to travel in a vehicle; to ride or drive."

Popular Aphorisms

\n*"Don't blame your tools." --Unknown\n*"When all else fails, clean your tools." --Robert Pirsig\n*"A poor workman blames his tools" -- Unknown\n*"A fool with a tool is still a fool"

History

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

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Other usages

• Tool can also refer to a person who is being manipulated by someone else, in a similar sense as puppet.\n* Tool is also a prog rock/metal band from Los Angeles; see Tool (band).\n* Tool is also a euphemism for penis