Introduction
A tool, as defined by the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners is, “An object used to gain mechanical advantage, also thought of as the harder of two objects which when brought into contact with each other, results in the softer one being marked.” Some examples of typical tools include; screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars, drill bits, punches, knives and guns (bullets). Some more obscure example include; car bumpers, rocks or any other hard object that leaves a mark behind. The two types of marks typically left behind are impressed marks, and striated marks (Refer to pictures below). Although toolmark analysis may be confused with ballistics, the two types of analysis differ. Ballistics deals with “the motion of a projectile and the forces which cause and affect this motion,” whereas Firearm and Tool Mark Identification deals with “the marks imparted from the gun to the bullet and/or casing.”
A tool, as defined by the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners is, “An object used to gain mechanical advantage, also thought of as the harder of two objects which when brought into contact with each other, results in the softer one being marked.” Some examples of typical tools include; screwdrivers, hammers, pry bars, drill bits, punches, knives and guns (bullets). Some more obscure example include; car bumpers, rocks or any other hard object that leaves a mark behind. The two types of marks typically left behind are impressed marks, and striated marks (Refer to pictures below). Although toolmark analysis may be confused with ballistics, the two types of analysis differ. Ballistics deals with “the motion of a projectile and the forces which cause and affect this motion,” whereas Firearm and Tool Mark Identification deals with “the marks imparted from the gun to the bullet and/or casing.”
![Picture](/uploads/2/7/6/5/27655795/8132254.png?453)
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