(2024 rules) Does Expertise in Sleight of Hand give any benefit to picking a lock?

Quote from Squirrelloid >>

. . .All tool uses are skill checks as the primary source of proficiency.  You only go to tool proficiency if (1) you aren't proficient in the appropriate skill for what you're doing, or (2) for advantage if you do have the appropriate skill.

Not completely true. There are some tools, such as Carpenter Tools and Blacksmithing Tools, that don't really have any skill as a primary source of proficiency. They might have a skill in specific situations (e.g., Investigation if a character is inspecting a weapon), but for the most part they can only benefit from a Proficiency Bonus if the user is proficient in the tool.

That is not the case in the overall thread here (Sleight of Hand with Thieves Tools), but it is possible for the situation to occur.

Quote from esampson >>

Quote from Squirrelloid >>

. . .All tool uses are skill checks as the primary source of proficiency.  You only go to tool proficiency if (1) you aren't proficient in the appropriate skill for what you're doing, or (2) for advantage if you do have the appropriate skill.

 

Not completely true. There are some tools, such as Carpenter Tools and Blacksmithing Tools, that don't really have any skill as a primary source of proficiency. They might have a skill in specific situations (e.g., Investigation if a character is inspecting a weapon), but for the most part they can only benefit from a Proficiency Bonus if the user is proficient in the tool.

That is not the case in the overall thread here (Sleight of Hand with Thieves Tools), but it is possible for the situation to occur.

Is there any specific example of a Carpenter or Smith Tool test in the rules anywhere?  Honestly, both of these feel like things that give you abilities (to craft) rather than requiring checks. 

The general listed utilize action for those tools... can be done (and better!) without those tools.  (And not even necessarily DC20).  Sealing a door is just a utilize action with a spike and a hammer, no test required.  Prying open a container is a task for a crowbar, not a specialized set of artisans tools.  (Disassembling the container instead is probably a sleight of hand check at best).  Opening a sealed or stuck door is what a portable ram is for.

None of those things are what carpenter's or smith's tools should be used for.

After reading all these entries I'm more confused than before.  Are we settled on "tool proficiency" and "relevant skill proficiency/expertise" combine for proficiency/expertise plus advantage?  That's how I read it.  Basically your highest level of proficiency and advantage for investing in both tool and skill?

Quote from ArmorStorm >>

After reading all these entries I'm more confused than before.  Are we settled on "tool proficiency" and "relevant skill proficiency/expertise" combine for proficiency/expertise plus advantage?  That's how I read it.  Basically your highest level of proficiency and advantage for investing in both tool and skill?

That is what the rules actually say, yes.