A set of tools cuts up symbol of evil (8)
I believe the answer is:
swastika
'symbol of evil' is the definition.
'swastika' can be an answer for 'symbol' (swastika is a kind of symbol). I'm not sure about the 'of evil' bit.
'a set of tools cuts up' is the wordplay.
'set of tools' becomes 'kit' (I've seen this in another clue).
'cuts' becomes 'saws' (sawing is a kind of cutting).
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'a'+'kit'+'saws'='akitsaws'
'akitsaws' in reverse letter order is 'SWASTIKA'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for swastika that I've seen before include "Adopted badge of the former German Nazi Party" , "Emblem of the Nazi Party" , "Cross with its arms bent at right angles in a clockwise direction" , "Hitler's Crooked Cross" , "Crooked cross of the Nazis" .)