A work tool identification system for identifying the work tool attachment attached to a machine from among a plurality of interchangeable work tool attachments utilizes a data transmission device located on the work tool attachment and an electronic machine controller that may be located on the machine. The data transmission device may store work tool identification data and may measure an interval count indicative of the lapsed time since the work tool attachment was initially moved by a machine. The electronic machine controller generates and sorts a work tool identification list of the plurality of work tool attachments based on the interval count with the lowest interval count appearing before any higher interval counts that is indicative of a recently coupled work tool.