Having a good grip on a tool is essential for obvious safety concerns. But just as importantly, a good grip benefits the user in more ways, especially if it’s a tool used frequently.
“Ergonomics now play a great role in today’s hand tools,” says Gray Hendricks, executive vice president of sales, marketing, and product development at Titan Tools.
One example now common in the market, he notes, are tools with handles that provide a better grip to decrease user fatigue while still providing the ability to do the task at hand, such as screwdrivers removing fasteners that may have once been damaged or required an impact driver to remove.
With the trend now focused on the grip and ergonomics, tool manufacturers are spending more time thinking through the ergonomics of their tools, says Chris Sanford, vice president of sales for SK Tools.
“What it comes down to is you want as much torque as you can with as little strain on your wrist and arm,” he says.
Andre van Lagen, sales manager for North America at Mueller-Kueps also agrees, adding that the material used in the handles has been a focus when it comes to technician comfort.
Last year, Mueller Kueps launched its Heavy Duty Duo Handle Pry Bar, No. 276 343V2, which features not one, but two ergonomic, soft-touch, and hammer-resistant handles. By having two handles, the pry bar allows for two-handed use for not only safety but also comfort.
Whether it’s the size and shape of the handle, the material used to construct the handle, or the coating covering the handle, these are just a few ergonomic features worth bringing up with your customers.
