What is the "working tool" associated with the Entered Apprentice Degree?

In the context of the Entered Apprentice Degree, the twenty-four-inch gauge is indeed considered a prominent working tool. This tool serves as a symbol of management of time and the organization of one's life. The gauge, divided into sections representing different parts of the day, teaches the initiate about the importance of diligence, structure, and moral responsibilities within both personal and professional contexts.

While the square and compass, trowel, and mallet are also vital symbols and tools used in Freemasonry, they are typically associated with different lessons or aspects of Masonic work. The square and compass represent the importance of virtue and moral conduct in the lives of Freemasons. The trowel is a tool that signifies the spreading of brotherly love and affection, while the mallet is often used to symbolize the act of shaping one's character and the importance of self-discipline.

Thus, the twenty-four-inch gauge is specifically highlighted in the Entered Apprentice Degree to emphasize time management and the ethical dimensions of an individual's journey in Freemasonry.