In Hilchot Mukse, objects classified as "Keli She'm'lachto L’isur"-utensils designated for prohibited activity, such as a hammer or a pen, may be handled for one of two purposes:
1. "L’sorech Gufo"-using them for a permitted function. For example, using a hammer to crack nuts, instead of pounding nails, or using a pen as a back-scratcher, instead of for writing.
2. "L’Sorech M’komo"-for its place. If the item is in the way, it may be moved to make room for something else.
There are some items that are classified as a "Keli She'm'lachto L'isur," but cannot be used L'Sorech Gufo, because they do not have a recognized permitted function, besides their primary prohibited function. For example, a cell phone can only be used for communicating etc. There is no other legitimate function it can serve on Shabbat.
The fact that it could conceivably be used as a paper weight is not considered L'Sorech Gufo, according to Hacham Elyashiv. He reasoned that since any object could be used as a paperweight, and that function does not utilize the unique form and qualities of the object, it is not a legitimate use. On the other hand, a pen, for example, may be used as a backscratcher because that function utilizes the long and pointy form of the object.
The Poskim discuss whether such an item may be moved L'sorech M'komo. Does the fact that it does not have a "Sorech Gufo" preclude handling it for its place. A practical example would be whether one may remove his cell phone from the Shabbat table. On one hand, he needs the space, which is L'sorech M'komo. On the other hand, the cell phone has no legitimate function on Shabbat.
Rav Moshe Feinstein (Russia-New York, 1895-1986) in Hilchot Mukse, as well as Rav Moshe Halevy (Israel, 1961-2001, Responsa Tefila L'Moshe and Menuhat Ahaba) and Hacham Ovadia (Hazon Ovadia, Shabbat Vol. 3, p. 52 in the footnote) conclude that one may, indeed, move such items L'Sorech M'komo-for their place.
SUMMARY
A "Keli She'm'lachto L'isur" may be moved "L'sorech M'komo," even if has no permissible function on Shabbat and, therefore, cannot be moved "L'sorech Gufo."
