Hand tool — test briefly upon return (3)
I believe the answer is:
axe
'hand tool' is the definition.
(an axe is a type of tool)
'test briefly upon return' is the wordplay.
'test' becomes 'exam' (synonyms).
'briefly' means to remove the last letter.
'upon return' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'exam' with its last letter removed is 'exa'.
'exa' reversed gives 'AXE'.
(Other definitions for axe that I've seen before include "Means of cutting" , "Make redundant" , "flower in Devon" , "Chopping tool; dismiss" , "Guitar" .)