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Drop into any hardware store or home improvement center, and you’re likely to find aisles full of tools labeled “ergonomic.” But what exactly does that mean? Simply put, ergonomics is the science of designing and producing tools, furniture and other work-related implements 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 nonslip coatings. However, no matter how impressive a tool’s design is, it’s almost impossible for it to be universally ergonomic because human physiques and project applications vary greatly from one to the next.
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 or not the tool fits your hand, how well it suits the job being done, and whether or not it eases your work and prevents you from straining in ways that could lead to injury. Regardless of how user-friendly a tool is built to be, the most important deciding factor in what makes a tool ergonomic is, ultimately, you.
To make the decision process a little easier, here are some guidelines for choosing the right ergonomic hand tool for your body type . . . and the job at hand:
• Because finger size and placement differs 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.
• 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.
• Ensure tool handles are free from sharp edges and seams that might irritate or cut the hands.
• 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 tasks that require force, such as torquing screws and nuts, hammering and heavy chiseling, choose single-handle tools with handle diameters that range from 1¼ to 2 in. 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-in. range. The smaller diameter handles make it easy to comfortably grip tools between the fingertips without overexerting fingers, knuckle joints or hand muscles.
• Just as grip diameter affects work with single-handle tools, the grip span of pliers, snips and other double-handled tools can either make your job easier or cause you hand fatigue. For maximum comfort and efficiency for tasks that require more force (like gripping with large pliers), choose tools with a maximum “open” grip span of 31/2 in., and a “closed” grip span no less than 2 in. across.
• When a work space is tight but the task at hand requires a good deal of force, opt for “power grip” tools (with handle diameters from 11/4 to 2 in.), 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.
• The palms of your hands are full of pressure-sensitive nerves and blood vessels, and in order to avoid damaging these during high-force tasks, it’s important to make sure the handles of your tools are long enough that their ends won’t press into your palms. To measure, hold your hand palm up, with fingers together and thumb against the side of your hand. As long as 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.
By following these basic rules of ergonomics, you should find getting the right tool — and the most comfortable tool — for the job to be less confusing.
About the author: Paul Holstein is the co-founder and COO of CableOrganizer.com, an eTailer of cable, wire and equipment management solutions. He may be reached through the company’s Web site located at www.cableorganizer.com.
