NationStates Jolt Archive


Guns make for poor screwdrivers.

Bobs Own Pipe
24-03-2006, 17:46
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.
Franberry
24-03-2006, 17:48
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
IL Ruffino
24-03-2006, 17:50
Guns make good scalp scratchers.
Drunk commies deleted
24-03-2006, 17:51
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.
Bobs Own Pipe
24-03-2006, 17:51
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.
Gift-of-god
24-03-2006, 17:52
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.
Thriceaddict
24-03-2006, 17:52
They're pretty good drills if you have a hard time finding one.
Drunk commies deleted
24-03-2006, 17:53
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".
Bobs Own Pipe
24-03-2006, 17:53
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'.
Carnivorous Lickers
24-03-2006, 17:54
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.
Drunk commies deleted
24-03-2006, 17:54
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:
Drunk commies deleted
24-03-2006, 17:55
I dont think you're allowed to carry a cordless drill in the swamp during turtle season.
I'm a rebel.
Carnivorous Lickers
24-03-2006, 17:58
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?
Kzord
24-03-2006, 17:58
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)
Bobs Own Pipe
24-03-2006, 17:59
Is it me, or are people getting hysterical today?
No, people are getting pushed to their fucking limits today.
IL Ruffino
24-03-2006, 18:00
No, people are getting pushed to their fucking limits today.
It's a bad day..
Drunk commies deleted
24-03-2006, 18:03
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.
Carnivorous Lickers
24-03-2006, 18:03
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?
Myrmidonisia
24-03-2006, 18:07
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.
Carnivorous Lickers
24-03-2006, 18:07
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
Myrmidonisia
24-03-2006, 18:08
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.
Mirchaz
24-03-2006, 18:10
i would say that a gun can be used as a deterrent. not neccessarily(sp) to kill. That would be constructive.
Gift-of-god
24-03-2006, 18:18
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.
The Half-Hidden
24-03-2006, 18:36
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
Wallonochia
24-03-2006, 19:16
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.
Myrmidonisia
24-03-2006, 19:28
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.
Genaia3
24-03-2006, 19:30
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.
Wallonochia
24-03-2006, 19:33
Silly me. I thought the title was metaphorical.

I was being a smartass.
Asbena
24-03-2006, 19:37
I was being a smartass.

Ya we know.

Guns are not tools in any way....
Curious Inquiry
24-03-2006, 19:40
Way to ignore my OP about what a "tool" is. Tool.
Not his fault you defined tool incorrectly ;)
Czardas
24-03-2006, 19:43
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....
Myrmidonisia
24-03-2006, 20:05
I was being a smartass.
And I was trying to be clever. I guess Bob has abandoned us after his recent conversion.
Myrmidonisia
24-03-2006, 20:07
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!
Asbena
24-03-2006, 20:08
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.