So my grid looked completely normal and I could see that there were verbs missing (the only one I got right away was TILTED) but I couldn't see why. Then I looked at the actual grid on XWordInfo. I thought the theme would be explained by visual elements but I didn't see THAT coming. Great job using just the Crosshare tools to convey the same idea.
I think there was a Monday that did something similar with the clues, things like [C/O/S/T/S] SLASHED PRICES, [D-R-E-A-M-S] DASHED HOPES.
Good puzzle, thanks.
I liked 9A. "What's this? I asked for a hammer! A hamrner! This is a crescent wrench! Well, maybe it's a hammer... Darn these stone tools!"