2024/04/22
Hand Tool Design Guide
What are the benefits of ergonomics in hand tool design?
What are Ergonomic Hand Tools
Hand tools that are "ergonomic" are designed with the user's physical abilities and limitations in mind to lessen body stress and prevent injury. These tools help users do tasks more comfortably with their "hands" and "limbs", lower the effort needed, and
encourage good posture when using them.
The design of ergonomic hand tools considers not only basic functionality but also aspects such as the tool's weight, shape, size, and material.For example, a wrench from the 1800s and a modern wrench have clear differences in ergonomic design: the wrench has
a better opening position, a more suitable worm gear, a better grip, and is made of lighter but stronger material.
(old type design of adjustable wrench)
What are the benefits of ergonomics in hand tool design?
Hand tools that are not ergonomically designed can result in various physical problems. Tools that ignore ergonomics can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and chronic back pain. These conditions are often due to repetitive strain, wrong posture, and excessive force. For example, a heavy tool that needs a tight grip to use can increase the chance of tendonitis, while poorly designed handles can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome because of unnatural bending of the wrists.
Why ergonomics needs to be considered in hand tool design?
Traditional screwdrivers: Traditional screwdrivers have round handles that can make the tool slide in the hand, needing more force to keep grip. This design can cause hand tiredness and does not support the torque required for effective operation.
Heavy hammers: Lifting and swinging a heavy hammer can cause shoulder and back pains, especially with long, repetitive use.
How to design a good ergonomic hand tool?
Designing ergonomic hand tools involves several key factors to ensure the tool is easy to use, reduces the possibility of injury, and improves productivity. Here are some basic factors to consider:
Weight: The tool's weight should be balanced and suitable for its purpose, reducing the effort needed for operation and lessening fatigue.
Handles: Handle design should be comfortable for the user's hand, featuring non-slip surfaces and materials that do not conduct heat or cold too much. The handle's shape should support a natural grip and posture.
Material: Choose strong and light materials, considering materials that can reduce vibration and provide insulation against temperature extremes.
Shape: The overall shape of the tool should facilitate its purpose without unnecessary force or awkward body postures, increasing accuracy and control.
Vibration: Lower vibrations to reduce the risk of vibration-induced injuries. This can be done using vibration-reducing materials and design features that spread the load more evenly.
Poor ergonomics design hand tools example
To show the effects of neglecting ergonomics in hand tool design, let's look at some examples:
Traditional screwdrivers
Many traditional screwdrivers have a round, smooth handle, which can make the tool slide in the hand, needing more force to keep grip and control. This design can cause hand tiredness and does not provide the torque necessary for effective operation.
Heavy hammers
Hammers that need a lot of effort to lift and swing can cause shoulder and back pains, especially with repeated or long use. Too much weight can also increase the chance of accidents due to a lack of control.
Flat shovel handles
Shovels with flat, narrow handles may cause blisters and calluses because of a lack of ergonomic grip and can cause back pains because of inefficient force transfer when lifting and moving materials.
Tien-I Related Product Recommendation
To sum up, ergonomics has become an essential requirement in the development of hand tools over the past 100 years. Users have also become more aware of choosing tools that are easy to use and prevent injury, rather than only focusing on price.
Since 2004, Tien-i Company has continued to research and innovate the latest hand tools in Taiwan, and ergonomics has become a part of Tien-i's design and production DNA. For example, our Adjustable Spinning Impact Extension Bar , which features a multi-segment handle, is designed to prevent injuries and make operation smoother, winning the Taiwan Excellence Award in 2016.
We also have some new products, such as the O-ring removal hook set, which lets users remove sealed rubber rings more quickly and easily.
Industry leaders are welcome to check out these new products, and if interested or have any ideas, feel free to contact the Tien-i sales team.