What to look for in hand tools?

While walking by the nearby hardware store, you will come across a number of tools that will be labeled “ergonomic.” Have you ever asked yourself what are ergonomic hand tools? Ergonomics is the branch of science that basically deals in designing and manufacturing tools, furniture and various other equipment’s that not only enhance a worker’s efficiency but also reduces fatigue, and risk of injury.

Ergonomically designed hand tools come laced with accessories like angled handles, non-slip coating and padded handgrips. However, always remember that no hand tool can be labeled as universally ergonomic. Physique of every person varies from the each other and as hand tools are used for number of jobs and different types of people, you can never make a universally ergonomic hand tool. No matter how much user-friendly equipment you have built the most essential factor that decides whether a tool is ergonomic or not are you.

No matter whether you want to buy ergonomic hand tools online or offline or just the right one from an existing collection, there are some things that you should always consider while making any purchase related to hand tools. These include:

1) Grip Diameter: Handle diameter can significantly enhance the level of comfort and efficiency of the hand tools. For single handed tools like hammers, wrenches, nut drivers, chisels and screwdrivers handle diameters should be between 1 1/4" - 2". In Large handled hand tools, you can wrap your fingers comfortably and have a power grip. The advantages of large handles tools are that they prevent slippage and are easy to grasp. They also do not cause any impact and stress on fingers and wrists. Large handle hand tools are especially great for tasks that require force such as hammering, tightening of the screws and heavy chiseling. You can finish any job perfectly and with precision by making use of these tools.

Just like single handle tools, grip span of double handle tools also determines the comfort level and efficiency of the device. Double handle tools like cable cutters, pliers, snips that has open and closed grip span of 3 and less than 2 inches are considered more comfortable and efficient than others. They can used effortlessly to tackle big jobs that require a great deal of force. However, in order to grasp small components with tongs or pincers, use tools that has open and closed grip span of less than 1 and more than 3 inches.

2) Handle length: There are numerous pressure sensitive nerves in our palms. If you want to save them from getting damaged during big and high force tasks, make sure that the handles of the hand tools you have selected are long so that they do not press in to your palms.

For cramped space use power grip tools: If the area where you are working has less space and task you are doing require a great deal of force, go for power grip tools. They can be grasped with full hands instead of pinched between the fingers.

Keep the points mentioned above if you want to buy hand tools online or offline for your workshop. This way, you will never select the wrong one.