Drop into any hardware store or home improvement center and you’re likely to find aisles of tools that are labeled “ergonomic.” But what does that mean for you? Simply put, ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools, furniture and other work-related implements with characteristics that improve a worker’s efficiency while reducing discomfort, fatigue and risk of injury.
Ergonomically enhanced tools can include helpful features like angled handles, padded handgrips and non-slip coatings. It is important to remember that no matter how impressive a tool’s design is, it’s almost impossible for it to be universally ergonomic. After all, peoples’ physiques vary greatly from one to the next, as can the types of jobs that hand tools are used for. Regardless of how user-friendly a tool is built to be, you are the most important deciding factor in what makes a tool ergonomic.
Whether you’re shopping for ergonomic tools or just trying to select the right one for the job from an existing collection, the key things to consider are whether the tool fits your hand, how well it suits the job being done, if it eases your work and prevents you from straining in ways that could lead to injury. To make the decision process a little easier, CableOrganizer® has put together a list of guidelines and tips to properly matching yourself with the right tool.
General Guidelines for Choosing Tools
GRIP DIAMETER ON SINGLE-HANDLE TOOLS:
When it comes to single-handled tools like hammers, screwdrivers, chisels, wrenches, and nut drivers, handle diameter can make a big difference in your level of comfort and efficiency. For tasks that require more force (such as torquing screws and nuts, hammering, and heavy chiseling), choose tools with handle diameters that range from 1¼ inch to 2 inches. Larger handles allow fingers to wrap comfortably around the tool in a power grip, which prevents slippage and reduces stress and impact on hands, fingers and wrists.
For tasks that call for more precision and delicacy (like fine chiseling and driving miniature screws), opt for single-handle tools whose grips fall within the 1/4 to ½ inch range. The smaller diameter handles make it easy to comfortably grip tools between the fingertips without overexerting fingers, knuckle joints or hand muscles.
GRIP SPAN ON DOUBLE-HANDLE TOOLS:
Just as grip diameter affects your work with single-handle tools, the grip span of pliers, snips, cable cutters and other double-handled tools can either make your job easier or cause you hand fatigue. To achieve the greatest comfort and efficiency while tackling tasks that require more force (like gripping with large pliers, cutting wires or snipping through sheet metal), choose tools with a maximum "open" grip span of 3 inches — and a "closed" grip span no less than 2 inches across.
On the other hand, detailed jobs that involve grasping small parts and components with pincers, tweezers or tongs are best done with tools with grip spans that range from no less than 1 inch (closed) to no more than 3 inches (open).
TOOL'S GRIP TYPE AND LENGTH IN RELATION TO WORKSPACE:
Tailoring tool choices to a roomy workspace is never much of a challenge but selecting ergonomically correct tools for use in a cramped work environment requires a little more thought. When space is tight but the task at hand requires a good deal of force, opt for "power grip" tools (with handle diameters from 1 to 2 inches), which are grasped with the entire hand instead of just pinched between the fingertips. This type of grip lets you finish the job in far less time, with far less physical stress.
Tool length should also be matched to space constraints. Excessively long tools can force you to assume awkward work postures and wrist positions when you're trying to reach components in cramped areas. Instead, choose short-handled tools that give you the freedom to meet the target work area directly, while keeping your wrist straight.
HANDLE LENGTH VERSUS HAND WIDTH:
The palms of your hands are full of pressure-sensitive nerves and blood vessels. In order to avoid damaging these during high force tasks, it's important to make sure that the handles of your tools are long enough that their ends won't press into your palms. Measuring is simple: hold your hand palm-up, with fingers together and thumb against the side of your hand. If the tool's handle is longer than the widest part of your hand (the span from the outer edge of your pinkie to the outer edge of your thumb), it's safe to use.
QUICK TIPS
- • Because finger size and placement differ from person to person, avoid using tools whose handles have built-in finger grooves. When fingers don't naturally align with grooves, excessive pressure from the raised groove edges can cause discomfort and injury.
- • Make sure that tool handles are free from sharp edges and seams that might irritate or cut the hands.
- • Choose tools with handles that are covered in a soft material, like foam or flexible plastic. Cushioned handles are not only comfortable for long hours of use, but they provide a much firmer grip and cut down on slippage. Hard-handled tools can be quickly and inexpensively converted by just adding a sleeve.
- • When selecting double-handed gripping and cutting tools, opt for ones with spring-loaded handles that will automatically return to the open position.
- • If you need to forcefully pinch or grip an object for an extended amount of time, prevent muscle strain by switching from standard pliers to a clamp or grip.
- • Only use tools that allow you to work with your wrist in a straight position.
For more great information on how ergonomics can improve jobsite and worker safety, visit online resources including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) website. Then shop for hand tools at CableOrganizer®.
