ToolNovation
by MiKoF
ToolNovation changes what happens when a tool, weapon or piece of armor reaches zero durability: it enters a broken state instead of vanishing.
What it does
Normally a tool, weapon or armor piece disappears once its durability hits 0. With ToolNovation installed, the item stays in the inventory in a broken state and keeps its enchantments until it is repaired. Repairing a broken item at an anvil or grindstone is blocked by default, and the repair path can be re-enabled in the config. Works with vanilla and modded gear, including custom items that replace existing ones.
The mod runs on NeoForge for 1.21.1 and 1.20.4, and it is needed on the client and the server alike. Cloth Config API is optional and adds an in-game settings screen with a modernized interface. ToolNovation is released under the Apache License 2.0 and is not open source. The latest file for 1.21.1 is dated 2026-06-29 and sits in the beta channel.
Key features
Broken state
Gear that reaches 0 durability stays in the inventory as a broken item and is not deleted.
Enchantments kept through breaking
Enchantments on a broken item stay attached until it is repaired, and enchantments can be lost if the item is not fixed.
Eternal Binding and Vampire's Touch
Two enchantment mechanics are added, one that preserves enchantments through repair and one that heals the wielder for damage dealt.
Tempered Edge and Wear penalty
A weapon enchantment adds attack damage at the cost of faster wear, and worn-out tools lose durability efficiency and warn the player before they break.
Break feedback
An action-bar message and particles mark the moment an item finally breaks.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Optional 1
How it compares
Vanilla Bean is a NeoForge mod for 1.20.6 – 1.21.1 under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later, and it is not open source. Gearsmithing is a client and server NeoForge mod for 1.21.1 – 1.21.11 under the Apache License 2.0 and is not open source. Broken's Enchantment Overhaul covers Fabric and NeoForge for 1.21.1, is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only, and runs on client and server.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ToolNovation | NeoForge | 1.20.4 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-06-29 |
| Vanilla Bean | NeoForge | 1.20.6 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2025-04-21 |
| Gearsmithing | NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 1.21.11 | Client and server | 2026-02-05 |
| Broken's Enchantment Overhaul | Fabric and NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-10-03 |
Questions
Does ToolNovation need Cloth Config API?
Does the server need ToolNovation?
Can broken items be repaired at an anvil?
In the catalog
ToolNovation is one of 17,631 Equipment mods on ModsFinder, and one of 7,420 Equipment mods for NeoForge. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
More from MiKoF
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What the author says
ToolNovation changes how broken gear works in Minecraft. Your tools, weapons and armor won't disappear when they hit 0 durability - instead they enter a broken state and stay in your inventory until you repair them. This works with all vanilla and modded gear automatically, with no custom items to replace what you…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/toolnovation
- Owner
- MiKoF
- Published
- 2024-05-10
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-06-29
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15