Crossword Genius

Piece that cannot be left out of a big tool needing repair (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

obligato

'piece that cannot be left out' is the definition.
(part of a piece of music which must be performed)

'a big tool needing repair' is the wordplay.
'needing repair' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen 'need of repair' mean this).
'a'+'big'+'tool'='abigtool'
'abigtool' anagrammed gives 'OBLIGATO'.

'of' acts as a link.

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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