That really puts a wrench in it.....

It's actually a tool for trimming facial hair. Usually when people post this, they are trying to indicate that your argument might be a good one, if you just pluck a few unrelated threads.

means useful

Since we're on the topic of hardware, what tool would you use as an emoji and what would it mean?

Comb-- nitpicky
eggbeater--beating a dead horse/thread
vaccuum cleaner--dusting off an old thread
pyjamas or slippers ---comfort post

Wheelbarrow: TMI
Flashlight: Something seems off here
Chainsaw: That was blunt!
Sandpaper: Abrasive

Lol, I can't think of any uplifting tools, although I can appreciate blunt.

Pie, cobbler or casserole: Welcome to the forum!

Of course I'm from the South, where that's how we usually do it.

I use useful more than anything besides like I think.

For me it means the post has utility or is of use.

Or what it says "useful" but using useful in a sentence almost comes across as condescending because it would imply other things are not useful or have no utility.

Closest thing to helpful I suppose or moving the thread along/adding something. Typically, it stands out as quite useful rather than just marginally. It could be useful for me personally or in general...even when I don't like it, it still has utility. Something like a difficult sermon to hear or a hard truth for instance. Useful, but not necessarily appreciated or "likable".

It is usual for me to find at least one thing useful in most things, so that's personally what I look for. Something edifying is "useful" too. It'd be nice if it wasn't a wrench or maybe a bit more colorful but it vaguely says something and therefore is "useful" to me instead of quoting sometimes

also, reminds of this song