Toolmark
By Mariebella Torres
Toolmark
Defined as any impression, cut,
scratch, gouge, or abrasio, or any
other markings left on an object by
another harder object or
instrument.
Negative Impression
Made when a tool
is pressed against
or into a receiving
surface.
Ex: screwdriver
impressions
Abrasion or Friction Mark
Made when a
tool cuts into or
slides across a
surface.
Ex: Bolt cutter
and ax.
Combination Mark
Is made, for example, when a crowbar is
forcefully inserted into the space between a
door and the door facing and pressure is
applied to the handle of the tool to force the
door open. The forceful insertion of the crowbar
produces an abrasion mark and the levering
action produces a negative Impression.
Application of Toolmark
1. Knife marks on bone
2. Fractured knife blades
3. Homemade explosive
devices
4. Crimp marks on detonation
5. Cut marks on wire
6. Pry marks on a window or
door
What Information can a toolmark provide?
1. The type of tool
• the type of tool can reveal
the perpetrators intent.
2. Shape of the cutting edge of a
blade
• The shape of the cutting edge
can reveal how the tool was
used.
What Information can a toolmark provide?
3. Blade width
• The width of a blade can
influence the severity of an
injury.
4. Color of the tool
• If a tool leaves paint, it can
provide a direct link to the tool
and possibly to the perpetrator.
What Information can a toolmark provide?
5. Class characteristics of the tool
• It helps to quickly eliminate
tools that couldn't have made
the marks.
6. Unique Identifying Marks
• individual characteristics that
distinguish one tool from another of
the same type.
Uses of Tool Mark Evidence
A. Link a person who used the tool
in the commission of the crime, or
some other acts material to the
commission of the crime.
Uses of Tool Mark Evidence
B. Establish whether a given tool
or weapon found at the crime
scene has made a mark that is
material to the crime;
Uses of Tool Mark Evidence
C. Establish a connection between
similar evidence discovered in a
series of crimes;
D. Determine whether a door or
window was forced open from the
inside or outside;
Uses of Tool Mark Evidence
E. Compare a tool mark from a
crime scene with a tool mark
found on the property, equipment,
or vehicle of a suspect.
F. Facilitate and narrow the search
for a given tool or weapon.
Preservation and Packaging of Tools
Package the object containing tool marks
so that no alterations or damage will
occur during shipment. Small objects
should be wrapped with clean paper and
placed in envelopes or boxes, while
important areas or large objects can be
protected with paper.Whole, large objects
can be packed in carton or crates, if not
delivered in person.
Preservation and Packaging of Tools
Tool marks are gathered through
techniques such as photography,
casting, and test marks. Examiners use
techniques such as microscopy and
superimposition to compare class and
individual characteristics of tool marks in
order to establish if two marks share a
common source.
Importance of Tool Mark in
Crime scene investigation
Tool marks are important in Crime
scene investigation, because you
can tell what kind of tool was used,
and by that you can see if the
suspect's tools match the tool
marks.
Thank you
for listening!
