Okay, I get the general jist of if something is craftable.
craft dohicky.
you can craft the dohicky into a whatsit.
craft dohicky into a whatsit.
but the one thing I'm unsure of. And I would think should be common knowledge.. What tools aid in the crafting skill? Some are obvious others are not. Please share.. :)
Depends on what you are crafting.
stone
As far as usable tools are concerned, when you assess them, there will be a line about what it could be used for. That tag also appears when you view an object for sale by a vendor.
However, I wouldn't be surprised if objects without a line specifically referring to a use conferred a bonus anyway. So go ahead and use whatever tools you think would be of benefit to your character.
It also depends where and how you learnt your craft. Different tools can be used to accomplish the same thing, depending on where you are and how you learned.
Amos learnt carpentry as a professional apprentice, he uses power drills, nail guns and laser levels.
Malik was self taught carpentry as he renovated his home. He uses a hand auger, hammer and plumb-bob.
Amos might recognize a hand auger and hammer, but has no experience using them and ends up with crooked holes and a sore thumb. He can't figure out what a plumb-bob is for.
Malik might recognise a power drill, but it take some time for him to adjust to the speed and be able to stop before drilling into the table. He might understand what a nailgun is supposed to do but doesn't know how to reload it or clear jambs. A laser level is just too complicated for him to figure out.
Same jobs, different tools, different people.
As others have said, look around in stores and what people near you are using. Use what you think is appropriate.