What is the essential function of a tool designed to chip metal?

The essential function of a tool designed to chip metal is to remove excess material. Chipping tools, such as chisels and hammers, are specifically designed to break off portions of metal to achieve the desired shape or finish. This removal of material allows for the refinement of objects, enabling craftsmen to create components that fit together precisely or to alter shapes for functional or aesthetic purposes.

The focus here is on the ability of these tools to selectively remove material, facilitating processes such as engraving, shaping, and adjusting metal workpieces, which is fundamental in metalworking and crafting. This action contrasts with other functions such as cutting sheets or gripping objects, which do not primarily revolve around the concept of material removal for shaping or precision adjustments.