ASE Damage Analysis & Estimating Certification (B6) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The presence of tool marks on fasteners typically indicates potential prior collision repairs. This is because tool marks suggest that the fasteners have been removed and reinstalled, which is often necessary during the repair process after an accident. It points to the involvement of tools in working on the vehicle, rather than being part of standard manufacturing or assembly processes.

In contrast, normal wear and tear would not typically result in tool marks, as it implies usage over time without disassembly. Factory assembly lines generally provide a clean finish on fasteners, as they are installed with precision equipment designed to minimize marks. Routine maintenance might involve checking or servicing components, but it does not necessarily imply the removal and reinstallation of fasteners to the extent that would create noticeable tool marks. Therefore, the identification of these marks strongly suggests previous repair work related to collision damage.