Tool Uses
Tools are usually classified depending on their function.
The most basic types of tools serve different functions such as:
Protection
Though protective wear do not aid in finishing a task in a more active manner its presence still ensures that the user can finish the task faster since there is less risk of being hurt.
Examples: gloves and harnesses
Cutting
Different kinds of cutting tools have been invented for different materials.
Nowadays almost anything can be cut using the proper tool from paper to diamonds.
Examples: knives, scalpel, scissors, laser cutter, nail clippers, etc.
Holding/grasping
Holds whatever is needed to be done or another tool in place.
Examples: pliers, wrench, clamp, gloves
Adding force or pressure
Again this serves a wide variety of purposes from driving in nails to crushing things.
Examples: hammer, maul, wrecking balls, etc.
Guiding
Guiding tools are very important to ensure precision in accomplish everything from the most mundane to the most important of tasks.
Examples: ruler, straight edge, plumb-lines, set squares
Other tool functionalities
There are also tools that have several functions such as the gloves, which serve to help grasp other tools as well as protect the wearer’s hands. The Swiss knife is also a perfect example of a tool with multiple uses. The different thing about it though is that it has multiple functions because it is really a collection of different tools.
Tools can also be used to do a different task than what it was originally designed to do. For example, in the absence of a hammer any other solid tool can be used to pound in a nail, the flat edge of a small pocket knife can also serve in place of a screw driver, and any straight-edged tool can be used as in place of a manufactured straight edge.