Although "lachrymology" was also cited as an inspiration for the band's name, Keenan later explained their intentions differently: "Tool is exactly what it sounds like: It's a big dick.
Selvom "lachrymology" også var en idé til bandets navn, forklarede Keenan senere deres valg af navnet Tool: "Værktøj er præcis hvad det lyder som: Det er en stor pik.