How are hand tools classified?

Hand tools are classified primarily by their use because this categorization reflects the specific function that each tool serves in agricultural practices and other applications. Tools are designed for various jobs, such as cutting, gripping, measuring, or soil cultivation. For example, a pruning shear is specifically designed for trimming plants, while a trowel is used for digging small holes or transferring soil.

This functional approach to classification helps users select the right tool for the task at hand, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in their work. While other aspects such as design, complexity, and cost may influence the selection and preference of tools, they do not form the primary basis for classification. Tools may vary greatly in design and complexity within the same category based on intended use, and cost factors can fluctuate based on brand or material quality rather than their classification as a tool type. Therefore, classifying hand tools by their specific uses provides the most practical framework for understanding their applications.