AFTE Store - An Evaluation of the Persistence of Striated and Impressed Toolmarks Encompassing a Ten-Year Period of Tool Application, and a Summary of Forensic Research on Bolt Cutters

A pair of new, off the shelf, bolt cutters were purchased and test toolmarks cut into lead prior to any other use. The bolt cutters were then added to the laboratory tool supply to be used as needed. These bolt cutters were used to cut sheet lead, + and + diameter lead wire, + and + diameter copper wire, and various sizes of multi-strand copper wire. After ten years of use, additional test toolmarks were made in lead, and compared with the original test toolmarks. A comparison of the striated toolmarks from each side of the blade and the impressed toolmarks from the blade edge were made. The toolmarks were examined for subclass characteristics and the persistence of identifiable individual characteristics, and changes, that occurred to the tool working surface from use.