I don't know about you guys, but I have been wondering how to get the gold and silver tools, and what the silver tools do. Well I've checked around some, and this is what I got:
Silver Shovel: At random days after 8 PM, one of the traffic cones will be moved in the city. You go down there and find Resetti's Surveillance Center, and Resetti gives you the Silver Shovel. It gives you a 10% chance of more bells when you are hitting the money rock
Golden Shovel: Bury a shovel for a day, and when you dig it up, it is gold. You can use it to plant Money Trees.
Silver Slingshot: You can buy this for 500 bells in Nook's shop after the second upgrade (of Nook's shop, I think. If someone can clarify this, let me know). It shoots 2 stones.
Gold Slingshot: You must shoot down at least 8 balloons, then you have a chance at getting this from a balloon. It shoots 3 stones.
Silver Watering Can: You get this from Nook's Shop (I believe you buy it, though someone can clarify it.) after you buy 50 bags of seeds. It has a larger water radius and can restore wilted red turnips.
Golden Watering Can: You can get this if you keep your town perfect for 15 days. It can change wilted black roses into gold roses. (This information is not certain, but what it most likely does)
Silver Net: You can buy this for 500 bells in Nook's shop after the second upgrade (of Nook's shop, I think. If someone can clarify this, let me know). It is slightly bigger than the normal net.
Golden Net: Catch every bug in the game and Tortimer will give this to you. It is slightly bigger than the silver net and it goes faster.
Silver Fishing Rod: You can buy this for 500 bells in Nook's shop after the second upgrade (of Nook's shop, I think. If someone can clarify this, let me know). It has a better lure than a normal rod.
Golden Fishing Rod: Catch every fish in the game and Tortimer will give this to you. Has a better lure than silver rod and makes the fish hold onto the bait a little longer.
Silver Axe: Throw Axe into town fountain and Serena will give you a silver or gold one at random. It never breaks.
Gold Axe: Throw Axe into town fountain and Serena will give you a silver or gold one at random. It never breaks and cuts down trees much faster.
Just writing that helped me a lot, so I hope it helps you a lot too. I got most of my information from here:
AC: Let's Go To The Wiki tools Let me know if you can clarify any of the things I'm not entirely sure of.
Karma is appreciated! =)