Tools that allow you to craft (typically Artisan's Tools of some variety) can earn you up to 5GP a day during your downtime if you have the resources necessary to do the crafting, and grant you a modest lifestyle for free or a comfortable lifestyle at half cost. There's one other general benefit of tool proficiencies from PHB p.187, which is how they affect lifestyle expenses during downtime. If you haven't read the entries there yet, that's a good place to start for a short list of examples of what tasks can be accomplished by each of the tools (though for Artisan's Tools it only provides a general overview for that category and nothing deeper for each specific tool the rest have at least some specific examples for each tool). The main general RAW source on the actual uses of tools is from PHB p.154-157, which describes what sort of tasks can be performed by the various tools and that you get your proficiency bonus when performing those tasks if proficient in the tool. Regarding "What sort of tasks can be performed?": I'll stick to those as best as possible in this answer. Like everything else in the Guide, the rules are optional (the text calls them "advice"), but they do provide a wealth of detail where before there were only the most general of guidelines. In addition, it lists the components for each tool, so that players and DMs can have an idea of the items actually at their disposal. For example, a character with proficiency in Brewer's supplies might allow one to detect poison in a drink It is notable that the DCs listed don't necessarily require the tool itself, but that proficiency in them might allow a character to perform a task that would be normally impossible or more difficult for the unproficient character. These are well thought out, listing activities that might actually have a use in play, such as using Alchemist's Supplies to produce a puff of thick smoke. Each tool has a number of skill synergies which are used as an example and guide for the DM, as well as a table of common DCs for various tasks one might use them for. It explains the difference between a skill proficiency and a tool proficiency, as well as how they can work together to accomplish specific tasks that would be more difficult or impossible without them. Among the many additions and clarifications, pages 78-85 give a very detailed treatment on how to use all tool kits and what can be gained by proficiency with them. Since this question was asked and answered, Wizards of the Coast has published Xanathar's Guide to Everything.
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