The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CHAINSAW
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
H
A
I
N
S
A
W
More clues leading to the result CHAINSAW
- Secure gnome — feller?
- Many shops recognised item of hardware
- Powerful feller Bond consulted
- Conservative peer noticed tool
- Tool to fasten was rejected
- Using winch as a cranky tool
- Feller was upset after row
- Was China developing a device for a power cut?
- Power tool was returned after row
- Succession witnessed cutting hedge technology
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Tool" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tool = chainsaw.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CHAINSAW mean?
CHAINSAW noun- A saw that has a power-driven and fast-revolving chain of metal teeth, usually used to cut trees.
- To cut with a chainsaw.