Tool Around Meaning

(idiomatic) To spend one's time idly.

Example: 2001 April 26, "Pay-to-play space mission," Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (US) (retrieved 6 July 2012):
  It's like when you were in high school, hanging out with your friends and tooling around in your parents' jalopy.
2005 July 14, "Editorial: Talking heads," Toledo Blade (US) (retrieved 6 July 2012):
  Many drivers tool around town or take long drives with cell phone in hand, one eye on the road but their mind clearly someplace else.
2008 Sep. 5, "Palin can't say no to jet this time," azcentral.com (US) (retrieved 6 July 2012):
  Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is known for selling the jet her predecessor as Alaska governor used to tool around the state. She now has one of her own.