By Jon Eakes
Getting a grip on things - and wearing nylons
You have probably noticed this yourself, but scientific studies have shown
that it takes as much as 30 per cent more muscle power to hold on to a tool
that is slippery than it does when working with a non-slip grip. A better
grip translates into less fatigue as well as fewer accidents. So when it comes
to tools, design changes on handles are not only marketing gimmicks but also
serious efforts at reducing strain on the job. But not all designs are winners.
![]() |
Hammers
When it comes to hammers, many guys still prefer their old wooden handles.
One design evolution that has proven very useful in most new hammers, and
even in some wooden ones, is the widened curve at the tail of the hammer which
cradles your little finger and keeps the hammer from slipping out of your
hand without making you squeeze harder. Stanley tried to improve even more
on making a "grip" handle by putting sweat grooves into the rubber
moulding. Feedback I get from the sites is that it does improve the grip,
but at the expense of making blisters because of the rough grooves. Generally,
the shaped handle with a semi-soft non-slippery covering seems to be hitting
the right balance between grip and rub.
Screwdrivers
![]() |
![]() |
Scrapers
If you haven't noticed the change in scrapers, it is time you went back to
the store. The old standard straight wooden handle has been replaced by a
raised back design with a moulded rubber grip. This is truly a day-and-night
improvement. Throw out that old one and move up.
Utility Knives
![]() |
Sometimes design changes in tools go two steps forward and one step backward at the same time. Stanley brought out a cool combination utility knife and pocket knife. I loved the idea but quickly quit using it because the little lever used to open the large blade would dig into my fingers while using the utility knife. Their next model reduced the size of that little bump, but didn't completely get rid of the irritation.
Power Tools
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Gloves
All of the above relates
to improving the handles themselves. Actually, we often wear gloves for protection.
If the gloves make things more slippery, they increase stress. If they add grip,
they protect your hands while allowing the muscles to work less. Buying a range
of gloves to match a range of site conditions is probably a smart move.
Start with standard protective
gloves, leather in the palm and cooling canvas on the back. However, these can
get slippery. You can get cotton gloves that provide minimum cool protection
but have little latex dots on the gripping surface. They grip very well.
A stronger grip comes with
full latex moulding on a glove, but they can get hot. You can now buy these
with cotton on the backside with full moulded latex on the palm and grip side
of the fingers.
Thermovil glove liners are a really special innovation for Canadian
construction, used extensively by hydro workers and utility linesmen. When you
flex the fibres, they actually create heat. If you don't move your fingers (like
in skiing) they are just a thin cotton-like liner.
And finally, for you
guys out there, how about wearing nylons on the job? These thin white nylon
gloves don't transfer dirt easily - great for working with ceiling tiles and
not leaving dirty finger prints. They are actually called bricklayer gloves,
because the red dust just falls off of them. Impress your clients: show up
in white nylons.
Montreal-based TV broadcaster, author, home renovation and tool expert
Jon Eakes provides a tool feature in each edition of Home BUILDER.
www.JonEakes.com