NationStates Jolt Archive

On the rather self-congratulatory thread, "Kansas passes concealed carry!!!WOOT!!!", the assertion has been made that guns are merely tools.

What a crock.

If I'm using a hammer, screwdriver, a level, a drill - then I'm using tools. Tools are used to build things. If I'm firing a gun, at best I'm doing nothing constructive - and at worst, I'm being destructive.

If I'm caught out without proper tools, I can always improvise - I can use the broad side of a pair of pliers as a hammer, for example, or a breadknife as a screwdriver.

A gun makes for a really shitty tool.

On the rather self-congratulatory thread, "Kansas passes concealed carry!!!WOOT!!!", the assertion has been made that guns are merely tools.

What a crock.

If I'm using a hammer, screwdriver, a level, a drill - then I'm using tools. Tools are used to build things. If I'm firing a gun, at best I'm doing nothing constructive - and at worst, I'm being destructive.

If I'm caught out without proper tools, I can always improvise - I can use the broad side of a pair of pliers as a hammer, for example, or a breadknife as a screwdriver.

A gun makes for a really shitty tool.

A gun is an excellent tool, a tool for killing, but it is very good at it

Guns make good scalp scratchers.

On the rather self-congratulatory thread, "Kansas passes concealed carry!!!WOOT!!!", the assertion has been made that guns are merely tools.

What a crock.

If I'm using a hammer, screwdriver, a level, a drill - then I'm using tools. Tools are used to build things. If I'm firing a gun, at best I'm doing nothing constructive - and at worst, I'm being destructive.

If I'm caught out without proper tools, I can always improvise - I can use the broad side of a pair of pliers as a hammer, for example, or a breadknife as a screwdriver.

A gun makes for a really shitty tool.
It's a great tool when used for the appropriate purposes. While you can defend yourself with a screwdriver or a hammer, a gun is better. Hunting with a cordless drill is virtually impossible. Unless you're hunting turtles.

A gun is an excellent tool, a tool for killing, but it is very good at it
Way to ignore my OP about what a "tool" is. Tool.

Language is a tool for communication, but it would also be a shitty screwdriver.

Religion can be a tool for bringing a society together. Again, it would be a shitty screwdriver.

Cups are tools for carrying and serving liquids. I bet you can guess how good they would be for building a house.

My point being, you have too narrow a definition of the word 'tool'.

Guns are tools for putting bullets in things at high velocities.

They're pretty good drills if you have a hard time finding one.

Way to ignore my OP about what a "tool" is. Tool.
So a jackhammer isn't a tool? It's used to break up concrete. Nothing constructive there, but it's a tool nonetheless. Tools are simply devices used to help get a job done. That job need not be "constructive".

Language is a tool for communication, but it would also be a shitty screwdriver.

Religion can be a tool for bringing a society together. Again, it would be a shitty screwdriver.

Cups are tools for carrying and serving liquids. I bet you can guess how good they would be for building a house.

My point being, you have too narrow a definition of the word 'tool'.

Guns are tools for putting bullets in things at high velocities.

And my point is that you have far too BROAD a definition of the word 'tool'.

It's a great tool when used for the appropriate purposes. While you can defend yourself with a screwdriver or a hammer, a gun is better. Hunting with a cordless drill is virtually impossible. Unless you're hunting turtles.


I dont think you're allowed to carry a cordless drill in the swamp during turtle season.

And my point is that you have far too BROAD a definition of the word 'tool'.
Wow! Red, oversized font, and underlined even. You must be right.:rolleyes:

I dont think you're allowed to carry a cordless drill in the swamp during turtle season.
I'm a rebel.

I'm a rebel.

Maybe if you dont have a bit in it, its not a violation?

Or-If the bits under 1/4 " maybe?

Is it me, or are people getting hysterical today?

Hammers can remove nails, thereby destroying whatever they're holding together. Likewise, screwdrivers remove screws.

dictionary.com says: # A device, such as a saw, used to perform or facilitate manual or mechanical work.

(First of many: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=tool)

Is it me, or are people getting hysterical today?
No, people are getting pushed to their fucking limits today.

No, people are getting pushed to their fucking limits today.
It's a bad day..

Maybe if you dont have a bit in it, its not a violation?

Or-If the bits under 1/4 " maybe?

Is it me, or are people getting hysterical today?
I use a Bosch hammer drill with a 3/8 inch masonry bit. It's got enough stopping power to take down even the fearsome giant Galapagos tortoise. The only downside is the fact that I have to lug a generator around with me to run the thing.

No, people are getting pushed to their fucking limits today.


You cant take it that personally. Think for a minute-if I took it so personally, my head would have exploded a long time ago in here.

Certainly we can disagree on things?

Way to ignore my OP about what a "tool" is. Tool.
The OP sets an unrealistic definition of the word 'tool'. Is my volt-meter a tool? I sure think so. How about my pruning shears? Couldn't do the job without them. A tool is merely a means to an end. So a weapon can be a means to gather food, protect one's self, or commit crime. It's only the means, no more, no less.

I use a Bosch hammer drill with a 3/8 inch masonry bit. It's got enough stopping power to take down even the fearsome giant Galapagos tortoise. The only downside is the fact that I have to lug a generator around with me to run the thing.


I feel so inadequate now-Thanks. I just have a Dewalt 12V.

Maybe it IS true that its not the size that matters but how you use it?


I though that was always some bullshit mantra for those with small equipment.

:D

I use a Bosch hammer drill with a 3/8 inch masonry bit. It's got enough stopping power to take down even the fearsome giant Galapagos tortoise. The only downside is the fact that I have to lug a generator around with me to run the thing.
You need to get the cordless version. I've used a DeWalt for a few years now and it's great.

i would say that a gun can be used as a deterrent. not neccessarily(sp) to kill. That would be constructive.

And my point is that you have far too BROAD a definition of the word 'tool'

Main Entry: tool
Pronunciation: 'tül
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tOl; akin to Old English tawian to prepare for use -- more at TAW
1 a : a handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task b (1) : the cutting or shaping part in a machine or machine tool (2) : a machine for shaping metal : MACHINE TOOL
2 a : something (as an instrument or apparatus) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession <a scholar's books are his tools> b : a means to an end <a book's cover can be a marketing tool> c often vulgar : PENIS
3 : one that is used or manipulated by another
4 plural : natural ability <has all the tools>
synonym see IMPLEMENT

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/tool

Perhaps, but my definition is more correct.

And my point is that you have far too BROAD a definition of the word 'tool'.
In other news, your body is a battleground.

http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/assets/slideShows/08.jpg

The OP is correct in that guns do make horrible screwdrivers. I had a rather vital screw come out of my office chair a few weeks back. My butterknives are too wide (both of them, I'm a college student I don't need silverware) and my toolkit was in the car. It being about 10F I wasn't about to go outside and get it so I put the screw back in with the bayonet (http://photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/?action=view&current=CIMG0511.jpg) on my rifle.

The OP is correct in that guns do make horrible screwdrivers. I had a rather vital screw come out of my office chair a few weeks back. My butterknives are too wide (both of them, I'm a college student I don't need silverware) and my toolkit was in the car. It being about 10F I wasn't about to go outside and get it so I put the screw back in with the bayonet (http://photobucket.com/albums/a353/tuebor/?action=view&current=CIMG0511.jpg) on my rifle.
Silly me. I thought the title was metaphorical.

Things guns can be used for:

Turning the TV off when you can't reach the remote.
Getting people's attention in a noisy room.
Opening cans of coke when you can't get your fingers under the ring pull.
Conveying the emotion of aggression.
Obtaining the attention of your servant/wife when you can't find your bell.
Getting your cat down if it gets stuck in a tree.

Clearly guns have all sorts of uses, I don't understand the commotion.

Silly me. I thought the title was metaphorical.

I was being a smartass.

I was being a smartass.

Ya we know.

Guns are not tools in any way....

Way to ignore my OP about what a "tool" is. Tool.
Not his fault you defined tool incorrectly ;)

Are you kidding? Guns make for great screwdrivers! You just have to get the angle right and aim very, very carefully.... and having a rotationary submachine gun helps, too....

I was being a smartass.
And I was trying to be clever. I guess Bob has abandoned us after his recent conversion.

Are you kidding? Guns make for great screwdrivers! You just have to get the angle right and aim very, very carefully.... and having a rotationary submachine gun helps, too....
You have a good point. How many times have you see a good rifle refered to as a "tack driver"? And I actually bought a tack hammer one time. I could have used a gun. Darn!

Are you kidding? Guns make for great screwdrivers! You just have to get the angle right and aim very, very carefully.... and having a rotationary submachine gun helps, too....

LOL. Miniguns > All guns. Except metal storm.