The tools of trade are items that are exempt from attachment under bankruptcy law or from seizure. The exemption exists in many jurisdictions. For examples: All of these owe this exemption to the provisions for bankrupts that existed in English common law before it was codified by statute. What exactly constitute one's tools of trade comes down to case law, and the case law of the United States exemplifies how complex such case law often is. Farmers have claimed mechanical cream separators. A professional forest guide claimed his canoe as exempt, but was not allowed to claim his rifle. A car used only for commuting to work is not a tool of the trade, but a motor vehicle can be, including a farm tractor. Breeding stock can be considered, as well as a logging truck and trailer. However, some cases have limited the exemption to personal hand tools and not large machinery or power tools.

England and Wales

Under the Courts Act 2003, "such tools, books, vehicles and other items of equipment as are necessary to the execution debtor for use personally by him in his employment, business or vocation" are exempted from seizure under a writ of execution issued from the High Court. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, "such tools, books, vehicles and other items of equipment as are necessary for use personally in the defendant's employment, business or vocation" are exempted from seizure under section 47C(1) of that Act.

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