Hand tools are essential for day-to-day jobs. They have been used by humans since ancient times to complete various useful tasks. However, improper construction and usage of hand tools may lead to injuries.
Choose a tool that requires minimal force, can be held in a comfortable work position and doesn’t put pressure on the wrist over extended periods of time.
The History of Hand Tools
Modern hand tools are something that many people take for granted, but this wasn’t always the case. These tools used to look much more primitive looking and jury-rigged than they do today. The development of these tools is actually quite fascinating and you’ll be surprised at how far they’ve come in the past few centuries.
The primary mission of the Davistown Museum is to recover, preserve, interpret, and display the tools characteristic of the maritime culture of Maine and New England (1607-1900). This includes both tool forms (shapes, styles, and design characteristics) and toolmaking strategies.
A hand tool is defined as any utensil that requires human muscle power for operation. This excludes portable power tools, such as screwdrivers or drill machines. Examples of hand tools include wrenches, pliers, cutters, striking or hammered tools and vises. Other tools like abrasives and files may also be considered hand tools in some cases. These tools are often used to shape wood, metal or plastic materials into desired shapes.
Types of Hand Tools
There are a variety of hand tools that have specific uses. Some are used for cutting materials while others are meant to grip objects. For example, pliers are a useful tool that allows people to grip and pull things that cannot be done with bare hands. They come in different forms such as diagonal pliers, lineman pliers, long-nosed pliers, and slip joint pliers.
Hammers are another essential hand tool. They are available in a variety of shapes and designs, such as the curved claw hammer that gives leverage and reduces surface damage when pulling nails and demolition duties or a standard claw hammer that has a flat head for separating objects and removing nails. Saws are also essential hand tools and can be of a variety of types such as rip saw, crosscut saw, hacksaw, and compass saw.
Wrenches are another essential hand tool. There are many types of wrenches ranging from adjustable ones to Allen wrenches and socket wrenches. It is important to use the right hand tool for the job to avoid injuries and ensure quality results.
Safety Tips for Hand Tools
Hand tools are used in every workplace, and while some workers may be more exposed to them than others, all must take safety seriously. Using good personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, and this includes gloves that fit well and don't inhibit movement or impair dexterity.
Inspect all hand tools thoroughly before use and replace any that appear to be damaged. Trying to use a tool that is rusty, loose, bent, or cracked can result in an injury. For example, a hammer with a mushroomed head might break on impact, sending sharp fragments flying.
When handling a hand tool, always point the blade away from your body and other people. Never carry pointed or sharp tools in your pocket. When passing a tool from one worker to another, handle first to reduce the risk of an injury. Always transport tools in a tool box, or carry them in a belt or bucket. Never throw tools, especially from a height.
Ergonomics of Hand Tools
Using the correct hand tools for specific tasks reduces the risk of injury to muscles, tendons and nerves in the hands. Workers who use the right hand tools also need to take care of their working posture, avoiding awkward positions and harmful contact pressures for prolonged periods.
Applying knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology and anthropometry helps in the design and selection of ergonomic hand tools. These tools should fit the hand and be designed to avoid excessive vibration and force. Workers should also practice work pacing and scheduling, to minimize the amount of time spent holding the tools in one position.
The most important ergonomic principle in the use of hand tools is that they should not be used with the wrist bent. This is a common cause of pain and injury. Handles should be long enough so that their ends do not press into the delicate pressure-sensitive nerves in the palms of the fingers. A good guideline is that the handle should be longer than the widest part of the palm. Grip surfaces should be smooth and slightly compressible to distribute pressure evenly across the hand. Avoid grooves, which can obstruct the blood supply and cause hot spots of pain.