---
title: Stop. Stop stealing tools! That crew will need them in combat
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/stop-stealing-tools-1944/
description: 'Home-front tool-theft poster: a white-gloved hand in a stars-and-stripes sleeve grips the wrist of an open bare hand above a flashlight, wrenches, pliers.'
section: Collection
---

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3. Stop. Stop stealing tools! That crew will need them in combat

[![Stop. Stop stealing tools! That crew will need them in combat, 1944 US poster: Home-front tool-theft poster](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/stop-stealing-tools-1944.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/stop-stealing-tools-1944.jpg)

# Stop. Stop stealing tools! That crew will need them in combat

Home-front tool-theft poster: a white-gloved hand in a stars-and-stripes sleeve grips the wrist of an open bare hand above a flashlight, wrenches, pliers, screwdriver and goggles, under the word STOP. The Uncle Sam sleeve lends national authority to the order (transfer), and the line about a combat crew needing the tools ties petty theft to danger for servicemen (a mild fear-appeal).

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Transfer](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/transfer/) [Fear appeal](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/fear-appeal/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
STOP
STOP STEALING TOOLS!
THAT CREW WILL NEED THEM IN COMBAT
[imprint: U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1944-O-601870]
```

[← Stop him and the job's done](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/stop-him-and-the-jobs-done-1944/) [The Avenger's Shadow: More Metal for U.S. Planes, Tanks, Guns →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/the-avengers-shadow-more-metal-1944/)

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- [Gypsum alabaster slab inscribed in cuneiform, from Nimrud (Kalhu), reign of Ashurnasirpal II](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/nimrud-slab-ashurnasirpal-ii-inscription-883bce/) (Neo Assyrian Empire · 0000 · Transfer, Glittering generalities)
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