Why is it that we refer to items used in a garden as tools, while we call those used in a kitchen utensils? What is the basis for using the term equipment, and why do we call items used in a laboratory apparatus? These questions can be best answered by looking at traditions, as many people find it challenging to differentiate between tools and equipment. This article aims to clarify these differences.
Imagine you are on the side of the road and realize you don’t have a screwdriver to open a bolt inside your car to fix a sudden issue that caused it to break down. With no one around to help, you search for objects that could assist in opening the screw. The pocket knife in your back pocket comes to your rescue, acting as the tool you need to unscrew the bolt. In general, any object that aids you in a problem or crisis situation can be referred to as a tool. For example, when a chimpanzee uses a stick to reach a banana that is too far for his hands, he is using the stick as a tool. Similarly, when prehistoric humans used stones to create fire, they were using them as tools. Even before discovering fire, early humans sharpened stones and used them as weapons to attack and kill animals. These sharpened stones became their tools. As such, tools are general items that help in completing tasks in various situations. When a carpenter arrives at a home, they open their bag and take out tools to begin their work. The items we see a plumber working with are also called their tools.
So, what is equipment? Often, equipment refers to a collection of tools. We can either use the plural of the word tool, which is tools, or simply refer to a set of tools as equipment. Another distinction is that while tools are what we work with, equipment also includes protective gear that we use for safety, such as gloves, helmets, and goggles. For example, a welder would wear protective gear while using their tools.
The word “tool” is commonly used in our daily lives. For instance, a news headline might say that a minister used diplomacy as their tool when speaking with a foreign delegate. The term “equipment” is typically used when referring to gear. The gear that a mountaineer uses is called their equipment, which consists of tools they actually use while climbing and protective gear they wear to prevent injury.
Key Takeaways
- Tools are multipurpose, small, handy objects used to complete tasks in various situations.
- Equipment is a general term used to refer to a set of tools, which can also include protective gear for safety.
- Tools are used to perform specific tasks, while equipment encompasses a broader range of items used in a particular field or activity.
