A dent made by a screwdriver on a door is an example of which evidence type?

• A. Impression evidence
• B. Toolmark evidence
• C. Trace evidence
• D. Biological evidence

Answer: (B)

Toolmark evidence shows marks left on a surface by a tool during contact. When a screwdriver is forced into a door, it leaves a dent that reflects the screwdriver’s tip shape, edge, and any wear or manufacturing marks on the tool. That distinctive mark is diagnostic of the tool and can be compared to the suspected screwdriver to assess a match, or at least to understand how the tool could have caused the damage.

This is different from impression evidence, which would be a broader kind of imprint where the tool or another object leaves a full negative image of its shape in a softer material. It’s also different from trace evidence, which involves tiny physical remnants like dust or fibers, and from biological evidence, which involves biological material such as blood or DNA.