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to tool

to tool

2 6.0
To shape or work material by using tools
  • verb
  • /tuːl/
translation icon : labrar
  • His greatest joy, p. 87, was helping Binder tool a leather binding in gold leaf.
  • tooled leather
  • hand-tooled
  • machine-tooled

It has the same mass and density as wood, and it when dry, it tools and carves like wood.

Examples

  • On the fifth day, construction of the composite vision began, with every grout line tooled by hand with sticks found in the leaves.

    Academic text (1994)
  • So that you end up getting in under the hood and, and really tooling, you know, really getting these scenes up to speed.

  • Now show me how you're going to raise enough capital to tool up for mass production to capture economies of scale.

    Blog text (1)
  • To tool threads into the softened glass, workers turn the tube around cast-iron wheels with threads cut into them.

    Academic text (1995)
  • He carefully tooled the wood to create a smooth finish for the furniture.

  • The sculptor tooled the clay into a beautiful statue over several days.

  • She tooled the metal into various shapes to make custom jewelry.

Synonyms

to work
vsto tool
2.3

To move and shape materials with hands or tools

emphasizes shaping done with a physical instrument rather than alone
to form
vsto tool
156 1.6

To make or shape something

limits action to shaping using a physical instrument rather than ideas
to saw
vsto tool
85 1.0

To cut wood using a tool with a thin toothed blade

focuses on shaping generally, not only cutting with blades
to chisel
vsto tool
19 5.1

To shape wood or stone using a flat metal blade

is broader, not only about cutting with such handheld implements
to machine
vsto tool
  • Specialized
4 6.3

To cut and shape metal or other material using a powered tool

is broader, covering shaping with ordinary hand instruments as well
to jigsaw
vsto tool
1 4.6

To cut shapes in wood with a small electric saw

covers shaping broadly, not only this powered cutting method
to lathe
vsto tool
  • Specialized
7.8

To shape wood or metal by turning it while a tool cuts it

is more general, not limited to rotation or specific equipment
to hew out
vsto tool
7.3

Cut a piece of wood or stone into a shape with a tool like an axe

describes shaping by instruments generally, not only removing material
to handwork
vsto tool
4.6

To make or finish something by hand

includes both hand and powered shaping using physical instruments

Idioms

8.8

A person who is not very quick to understand

Phrasal Verbs

to tool around
  • Informal
2 7.7

Move around with no set place to go for fun

Compounds

17 2.7

A tool that uses electricity, a battery, or a small engine to work

5 1.8

A thing you hold and use with your hands, not powered by a machine, like a hammer or screwdriver

machine tool
  • Specialized
4 3.9

A powered machine that cuts and shapes metal or other materials

4 1.8

A box or case with tools for fixing things

2 3.1

A tool like a knife or scissors that cuts materials

2 1.0

A tool used to work in a garden, like a spade or rake

2 2.9

A box for keeping hand tools like hammers and screwdrivers

1 1.6

A strong bag for carrying tools with pockets to keep them organized

1 5.8

A tool that cuts, presses or grinds metal to make it the right form

edge tool
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A tool with a sharp edge used to cut and shape wood and other materials

entrenching tool
  • Specialized
1 6.6

A small folding spade soldiers carry to dig trenches or shelters

tire tool
  • Specialized
1 6.4

A metal lever that removes or fits a tire on a wheel rim

tool steel
  • Specialized
1 5.5

Hard strong steel used to make blades and parts that stay sharp

1 2.3

A cabinet or box that stores hand tools like screwdrivers and wrenches

burnishing tool
  • Specialized
8.4

A small hand tool with a smooth stone tip used to rub gold leaf to make it very shiny

A machine that runs on a battery and does not need a power cord

1.7

A tool for keeping a lawn tidy, like a mower or rake

A program in the Microsoft Office set used for tasks like writing, creating spreadsheets and making presentations

graving tool
  • Specialized
8.9

A thing used to cut designs into metal, wood, or stone

A small tool used to clean and make hair or skin look nice

nut tool
  • Jargon
9.5

A small metal hook climbers use to pull stuck climbing nuts from rock cracks

rape tool
  • Offensive
9.9

An object that helps someone commit sexual assault

PIM tool
  • Specialized
4.8

An app that helps you organize contacts, calendars, and tasks across devices

PIM tool
  • Specialized
6.0

Software that stores, manages, and shares product details like descriptions, images, and prices for online shops

Equipment or skills needed to do a person's job

tool-and-die work
  • Specialized
8.1

Work of designing, making, and fixing metal tools and forms used to make parts

2.0

A box for keeping hand tools like screwdrivers or wrenches

How Precise

to sculpt
57 4.3
to tool
2 6.0
to shape
299 2.0
to work on
2.6
to make
1.0

Surface Forms

tool infinitive
tooled past
tooled past participle
tooling present participle
tools third person singular

Etymology

The verb tool meaning 'to shape or work on something' comes from using a 'tool' to make or change an object. So to 'tool' leather or metal is to work it carefully with special instruments.