Hand tools are used in woodworking, machining and other industries for a variety of tasks. They can help you complete your work faster and more efficiently, but they may also lead to a number of health issues.
Safety & Productivity
There are a number of different hand tool sets that can be useful in the shop, including wrenches, sockets and screwdriver sets. Wrenches are useful for tightening or loosening bolts and nuts, while socket sets can be a great help when turning fasteners in a variety of different applications.
Choosing the right hand tools for your needs is important. During the selection process, you should consider hand tool characteristics such as orientation, handle specifications (size, span, material, etc.), activation methods and required applied forces to ensure that the hand tool you select will be safe and efficient for your specific application.
When selecting a hand tool, you should always choose one that fits your hand size comfortably and has a handle that extends beyond your palm. This will provide a secure grip and reduce stress on your wrist.
The correct technique is also important for using hand tools. When you use a tool with improper posture, it can strain your hands and lead to injuries, such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel.
Vibration & MSDs
Some powered hand tools can create vibration that is transmitted through the tool handle to your hands, wrist and forearm. This can result in a number of injuries, such as tendonitis and RSI.
To avoid RSI and other MSDs, you should choose a hand tool that minimizes the amplitude of vibration or is recoilless when possible. In addition, you should wear a pair of vibration-dampening gloves when using power hand tools.
Whether you are in the middle of your workshop or outside on a construction site, having the right hand tools is essential for completing your projects. Investing in the right hand tools can save time and money as you will be able to finish your job faster.
Collecting and restoring hand tools is a unique way to enjoy and appreciate the history of your tools. It also gives you a sense of community with other people who share your interest in woodworking and traditional methods.
For many, hand tools are a part of family heritage. You can often find videos on YouTube of antique hand tool collections, which make it easy to learn about and admire these historic tools.
Hand tool collecting is a fun hobby and a great way to get nerdy. You can also find plenty of resources on how to keep your collection pristine and safe.
Getting Started
When you’re starting out, it is best to purchase quality hand tools that will last for years and offer you durability. This will help you to have more confidence in your ability to get the job done.
Buying new tools is more expensive than reselling old ones, but it can be worth it in the long run. You may want to start with a small set of hand tools and build your collection from there.