For other uses, see Tool (disambiguation).

A tool is a device that provides a mechanical or mental advantage in accomplishing a simple machine, or a combination of them. 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 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 have 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.

Varieties of tools

• Devices often typifies a newly invented or specific-purpose 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.

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 irons, welding torches and thermic lance
• Eating utensils such as chopsticks, fork, knife, or spoon
• Writing instruments such as ballpoint penor 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.

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.

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.

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, ...)

Product Management of SW tools

A tool is something that serves as a means to an end...

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.