What Toolmarks Are ^
What do we mean by toolmarks?
The term toolmarks identifies the marks produced when a tool comes into contact, by pressure, movement or a similar action, with a surface whose material is of lower hardness than the material of the tool used. As a result, the tool leaves its marks and causes either deformation or an incision/cut on the affected surface at the points of contact. Depending on the kind, type and manner of use of the tool, the marks are classified into two basic categories: impression/deformation marks and striation/abrasion marks.

Laboratory Examinations ^
By applying internationally recognized, scientifically documented and court-admissible scientific and technical methods, we perform laboratory examinations with the purpose of:

In the case of large objects, we apply the method of impression taking and copying of individual characteristics, that is, of the mark-bearing areas, into casts, so that comparative examination in the special comparison microscope is possible. Casts from affected surfaces may also be used for future forensic exploitation.

Assessment - Utilization ^
In addition, we carry out:

1. assessment of laboratory examination reports issued by state and other laboratories or specialists, in cases related to tools and their marks.
2. utilization of evidence requiring further examination, by marking forensic points for additional analysis, documentation and presentation, and by identifying points for which laboratory examination or exploitation was possible but no corresponding request was submitted.

Indicative questions that may be raised, depending on the case under examination ^

1. Is the reported burglary substantiated?
2. What is the type of the burglary tool used?
3. Is there a link with any tool seized from a suspect?
4. Do the recovered broken fragments compose part of one and the same object, for example fragments from a vehicle lamp, wrapping tape or cables?
5. Is sabotage by use of a tool substantiated, or is the event due to other causes, for example tampering with a bottle cap, forcing a metal fence, cutting fruit-tree trunks or cutting cables?
6. Was the specific wire-mesh fence cut by the tool under examination?
7. Was the screwdriver under examination used in the burglary?
8. Was the hammer under examination used to break the object?
9. Was the metal shears under examination used to cut the padlock?
10. Was the cutter under examination used to cut cables?
11. Was the axe under examination used to cut the tree trunk?
12. Were the pruning shears under examination used to cut branches?
13. Are the seized metal dies or digit-stamping punches connected with the impressed digits?
14. Is the pitch of a boat propeller compatible with the damage or injury caused?