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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Volume 13, No. 1, Winter 2005

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Working Around the House: Selecting the Right Tools

Eden Melmed, AT Specialist, New Castle County ATRC

With the snowy winter weather keeping you locked indoors, now is the time to start many of those household repair projects you have been putting off for so long. Whether you are planning on doing some small projects around the house such as hanging photographs or painting a room, or are planning some major household tasks such as building an entertainment center or upgrading your bathroom's plumbing, here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing the tools you will need for any household project.

Tools and tool handles should be selected to eliminate or minimize the following:

Reducing Force or Grip Strength

A user's ability to apply grip strength to a tool depends upon the tool's handle type, size, and length. Improving the handle may greatly reduce the force required to use the tool. In general, tools with longer or thicker handles require less force. A longer handle allows the user to generate leverage by applying a small amount of force at a greater distance. The thicker a handle is, the more surface area is available for grasping and/or increasing the torque necessary to use the tool. In some situations, a hand tool with a pistol grip may require less gripping force than an in-line handle.

Hand tools with cushion grips may also provide improved comfort. Depending upon the texture of the material used on the handle, the grip may provide additional slip resistance and reduce the grip force needed. Typically, the diameter of a cylindrical handle should be approximately the size of the "O" formed when your thumb and index finger touch. To save some money, you may want to try to modify your current tools by adding bicycle grips or pipe insulation to the handles. Just make sure the grip is secure on the handle to keep the tool from slipping out of your hand while it is being used.

Reducing Repetitive Motion

Craftsman Professional Robo-Grip Pliers
Craftsman ® Professional Robo-Grip ® Pliers

To avoid repetitive motions and strain injuries associated with using a hand tool over a prolonged period of time, use ratcheting tools or adjustable tools with spring-loaded returns. It is also important to keep your hand tools properly maintained and sharpened to reduce grip force and repetition. Many people do not think about this, but if a saw blade is dull, it will take much longer to cut through a piece of wood than it would if the blade were sharp.

Changing to a power tool will also reduce repetitive motions. However, power tools have drawbacks too. Some problems associated with power tools are possible vibration, different types of

repetitive strain (e.g., trigger finger), and increased operator demand to handle and react to the forces generated by the power tool.

Minimizing Awkward Body Postures and Wrist Positions

Poor wrist positioning can diminish grip strength and lead to repetitive strain injuries. Hand tools that minimize flexion, extension, and deviation and maintain a more natural wrist position are preferred. Many tools are now ergonomically designed. Other tools can be modified with an add-on pistol grip to maintain a more natural wrist position. Some tools, rather than requiring the user to bend an arm or wrist, have the bend already built-in.

Proform Technologies Ergonomic Paintbrush
Proform Technologies Ergonomic Paintbrush

Reducing Vibration

Power tools may be used to reduce the amount of force and time needed to operate a tool. However, as mentioned above, there may be drawbacks to using power tools. One of the most worrisome drawbacks is possible vibration. Localized exposure to large amounts of vibration over a prolonged period of time may increase the risk of chronic disorders of the muscles, nerves, and tendons. If you need to use a power tool for a prolonged period of time, consider using an external support to handle the power tool and wearing anti-vibration gloves. Anti-vibration gloves are made from materials which help to dampen the vibration before it reaches your hands, wrists, and arms.

For more information about these and other tools, please contact your local ATRC.
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