A loop tool is a classic clay sculpture tool that typically comes in most clay tool kits. It has a wooden handle and either one wire loop at one end or on both ends. Loop tools come in different sizes and it is used to remove clay from the sculpture in large chunks if it is a large loop tool or small details if it is a small wire loop. Sculptors would remove areas of the body of the action figure with a loop tool to create its basic form.
A rake tool is a wooden handled tool with a wire or metal loop that has ridges on it. Similar looking to a loop, a rake tool removes clay in larger amounts than a loop tool. It is for coarser work and you would not use a rake tool for fine details. This tool would help remove the initial clay from the body, arms and legs of the action figure, but the finer details would be accomplished with another tool.
A paddle tool is made from wood and looks like a knife. One side may have a rounded edge and a flat "blade" and a pointy knife on the other end. A paddle tool is used to cutting up clay in planar cuts. A sculptor creating a prototype would cut pieces of clay up for the head, arms and legs with a paddle tool. Paddle tools come in a variety of sizes, and it is primarily used like a knife. Cutting out large and small pieces of clay would be done with this tool. Sculptors would carve out with some details of the action figure with this tool.
A detailer is usually made from metal and has a fine point. It looks like a dentist's tool and it may also have a scraper on one end. Detailers carve out the fine details of the action figure's facial features, muscles and clothing details. This tool would be used a the end of the prototype process. Detailer tools are not used for cutting or working on large areas, only small areas are used with this finishing tool.