Hardware tools refer to a general term for various metal devices manufactured through physical processes such as forging, rolling, and cutting, including manual, electric, pneumatic, cutting tools, agricultural tools, tool machinery, cutting tools, clamps, cutting tools, molds, cutting tools, grinding wheels, drills, polishing machines, tool accessories, measuring tools, paint tools, and abrasive tools.

Products are categorized based on their applications, including hardware tools, construction hardware, daily-use hardware, lock and grinding tools, kitchen and bathroom hardware, home hardware, and hardware components. Tools are further divided into manual tools and power tools based on whether they are driven by a power source. Manual tools, also known as hand tools or manual tools, refer to those that rely on human force for operation, such as spanners, pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, files, saws, scissors, etc. Power tools are those powered by an external source; categorized by their power source, power tools can be electric, pneumatic, fuel-powered, or hydraulic tools, with common examples being electric drills, sanders, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, concrete vibrators, and electric planers. Currently, manual tools and electric tools are the two most widely used and valuable types of hardware tools.

According to the "Trend Analysis and Future Outlook Research Report on China's Hardware Tools Industry (2023-2030)" released by the View Research Network, the upstream of the hardware tools industry chain is primarily composed of raw materials such as steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastics; the midstream includes various manufacturing industries of hardware tools; and the downstream encompasses application areas such as construction, car repair, home maintenance, and manufacturing processing.