PRACTICAL No.
AIM: To identify and compare the tool marks.
MATERIALS REQUIRED: Stereomicroscope, sample tool marks
THEORY: A tool mark is defined as the impression left by the contact of a tool (or a similar
object) onto a surface. When the tool or object contacts the surface with sufficient force to
create an indentation, the pattern of the tool is permanently reproduced onto that surface.
A wide variety of tools are used by criminals in different cases involving forced entry into
buildings, breaking of vaults, almirahs, locks, cutting of wires, etc. The tools used for cutting
purpose will leave their characteristic marks on the objects, which help in identification of the
tool.
Tool marks: Tool marks are of four types namely,
i. Compression type marks - Compression type tool marks are produced when a tool
strikes the surface with a pressure.
ii. Striated marks - Striated type tool marks are produced when a tool scrapes the
surface.
iii. Combination of compression and striated marks
iv. Repetitive marks - Repetitive type marks are produced when a tool strikes the surface
a number of times.
The features of the tool marks can be divided into three parts as class characteristics, sub
class characteristics and individual characteristics.
i. Class Characteristics: These are the features produced by similar type tools.
ii. Sub-class characteristics: These are the features produced by tools of one type
manufactured on the same machine.
iii. Individual characteristics: Some individual characteristics are developed by a tool
while in use due to wear and tear. No two tools can produce identical random
individual marks.
Whenever a tool mark is found at the scene of the crime the following procedure should be
adopted for its collections and examination.
i. Photography: Tool marks should be photographed. At least two photographs should
be taken, one showing the background with the impression and another a close up of
the impression. Scale should always be kept at the same level of the tool marks while
taking the photograph. Camera should be kept perpendicular to the surface of the tool
marks. More details are obtained by using oblique illumination.
ii. Tracing: Tool marks can be traced on a tracing paper. This helps in comparing the
class characteristics.
Taking test impression
The material on which the test impression is to be made must be chosen carefully. It must be
soft enough so that the tool edge will not be altered. When the original mark is in wood, paint
or soft metal, the standard should be made with a similar material. Several test impressions
should be made at various angles with the tool. When the original mark is on hard metal such
as steel or brass, it is desirable to use the same material for the standard. Sheet lead, tin or
aluminium may be employed successfully.
PROCEDURE:
1. The tool mark is negative replica of the tool and mould is negative replica of the tool
mark. A tool mark must be compared with tool mark, mould with mould and
photograph with photograph having same magnification.
2. Stereomicroscope is used for close observation of the tool mark.
3. Several test impressions should be made at various angles with the suspected tool.
4. The comparison is best done by using comparison microscope and with oblique
illumination.
5. Magnification of test and crime sample should be identical.
OBSERVATION:
Sl. No. Tool Mark Under Type of Tool Type of tool
Magnification mark identified
RESULT: Tool marks has been identified and compared successfully.
