What Tools Were Used During Medieval Times?
Medieval tools include a wide range of instruments, some which are outdated while some are still used today. While varying greatly from trade to trade, most tools in Medieval times had to be simple but effective.
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Misconceptions
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A hammer is an example of a Medieval tool still in use today. The biggest single misconception about Medieval tools is that they were much different from many of the tools used today. Some classic examples of simple tools still in use are hammers, mallets and metal snips.
Medieval Tools for Stone Working
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Chisels were used to carve stone. Medieval tools for stone working are going to look very familiar to modern masons. Baskets were used to haul stones to and from buildings sites, trowels were used for spreading mortar, and mason chisels were used to decorate or carve stone.
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Medieval Tools for Farming
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Pitchforks were used to bail hay. Tractors and combines obviously didn't exist back then, so the heavy work was done with the sickle to cut crops. Pitchforks were used to bail hay.
Medieval Tools as Weapons
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Peasants were often called to battle without arms or training, so many Medieval tools had to double as weapons. Some of the most common would include knives (dirks), axes, hammers, pitchforks and sickles or scythes.
Minor Changes
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Many Medieval tools have been modified only slightly over time. A pitchfork then had only two or three tines (perhaps even made of wood). A modern pitchfork will have more tines and a metal head. Many other Medieval tools have undergone similar transformations.
Similar to Far East Medieval Tools
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Far East Medieval tools are similar to European Medieval tools. The sai and staff were tools that could be used for self defense, just like the European ax and pitchfork.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cellular Immunity Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Merrett Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Brendon
