Tools A History

The Hardware that Built, Measured and Repaired the World

A must-read for makers, tinkerers, fixers and creators, The Repair Shop's Dominic Chinea shares his knowledge and enthusiasm for the history and practical uses of tools.

A tool is an object with endless possibilities. Contained within each item is the chance to create, to inspire, to repair and improve. It's no wonder that scientific studies have shown humans are hardwired to appreciate hardware. This book is a celebration of both that potential and our reverence, exploring more than 150 incredible tools, their history, their unique appeal and how they are used by creative people to make just about anything.

From the workhorses designed to fuel the industrial revolution to the specialist tools that allow highly skilled artisans to produce ornate creations, this book shines a light on the most interesting tools found in the workshop of expert craftsman Dom Chinea. This book will become a trusted reference for all creators and craftspeople.

© 2022 Dominic Chinea © 2022 DK Audio

Needs a visual supplement (PDF)

This is an almost-word-for-word audio adaptation of a book called "Tools, a Visual History." "Visual" is the key word in the title -- the printed version is illustrated with excellent color photos of every tool described. The audio version really suffers for lack of these; IMO, the photos should be included in a PDF supplement.

The narration is excellent, as far as it goes, but you'll enjoy the listen only to the extent that you know the objects described well enough to call a clear mental picture to mind. Likely you can do this for a hacksaw or a Stanley knife, but what about a "duck-bill plier," or a "farrier's anvil," or any of the four different kinds of awl described in the book? If you "draw a blank" on these, get the ebook version for less frustration and better value.