A hand tool is a device for doing a particular job that does not use a motor, but is powered solely by the person using it.
Examples are almost endless, from general tools like the hammer to specific tools like calipers. Some hand tools are mounted to walls, such as drill sharpeners.
Virtually every type of tool can be a hand tool, although many have also been adopted as power tools, which get their motive power from engines rather than from people. Some hand tools cannot be easily or safely converted to power tools, namely chisels
A modern hammer is directly descended from ancient hand tools A tool or device is 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. Philosophers once thought that only humans used tools, and often defined humans as tool-using animals. But observation has confirmed that multiple species can use tools, including monkeys, apes, several and others. Later, philosophers thought that only humans had the ability to make tools, until zoologists observed birds and monkeys making tools. Most anthropologists believe that the use of tools was an important step in the evolution of mankind. Humans evolved an opppsable thumb - useful in holding tools - and increased dramatically in intelligence, which aided in the use of tools.
Some tools can also serve as weapons, such as a hammer or a knife. Similarly, people can use weapons, such as explosives, as tools.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
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