Various writers on public policy have used—and still use—a ‘tools’ or ‘instruments’ approach to make sense of the complexity of contemporary policy-making. There is something attractive about breaking down the complex, abstract concept of ‘public policy’ into a more prosaic metaphor, as a combination of tools. It holds the promise of making the study of public policy simpler and easier to understand. Perhaps another reason for its attraction is that it suggests a solubility to policy problems, just as most problems around the house can, actually, be fixed with a reasonably simple toolbox that may be purchased in a DIY store, or most dental problems be fixed by a dentist wielding a limited range of custom built instruments.