Toolmaking
Neanderthals were expert tool-makers. Their basic tool kit comprised of
around 6 different types of tool, all more efficient than the tools made
by earlier humans.
Neanderthals used raw materials located close to their caves to make tools and weapons. Only their stone tools preserve today, although it's likely they also used wood as a raw material. Their stone tools were extremely effective. A freshly struck tool made from the rock Obsidian can have a cutting edge only 1 molecule thick - as sharp as a surgeon's scalpel.
One of their tool making techniques, known as the Levallois, was particularly effective. The pictures below show the process used to turn a lump of stone into a useful tool.
A
suitable stone is chosen
The
core is rounded in outline by removing flakes around the edges 
Flakes
are removed from the centre towards the edge
flaking
continues...
until
the surface has been shaped and prepared
A
striking platform is prepared at one end. The platform is then struck. A
flake is removed to a predetermined shape with sharp edges all around.While Neanderthal tools provide clues to their success as a species, they also highlight their limitations. The techniques they used to make their tools hardly changed at all in 250,000 years, suggesting they were unwilling, or unable, to innovate.