By Jon Olson
Industry professionals are looking for more and more job-specific tools that boost efficiency and ergonomics. They want to be able to show up to a jobsite and get the work done well the first time, as quickly and safely as possible.
Trade professionals working in the field know the importance of having the right tools for the job, as well as just how frustrating it can be to waste time and money on tools that break, wear out, or don’t perform as expected. Furthermore, tools that are not used correctly or are of poor quality can also pose risks of injury and fatigue — not just for yourself, but for your coworkers.
Benefits of Ergonomic Tools
Investing in high-quality, ergonomic tools that stand the test of time comes with a wide variety of benefits, including:
• Preventing Injuries and Accidents: Hand tools can cause injuries if they are not used correctly or are defective. For example, using a dull blade can increase the risk of slipping and cutting yourself, or using a tool with a frayed cord can expose you to electric hazards. These injuries can result in lost work time, medical expenses, and legal liabilities. By understanding and practicing hand tool safety, you’re proactively preventing these accidents and protecting yourself, your team and your work.
• Improving Efficiency and Quality: Safe and ergonomic hand tools enhance your work and contribute to your well-being. They can boost your productivity by alleviating physical strain and fatigue that hamper your performance and precision. For instance, a tool with a comfortable grip can enable you to exert more force and accuracy. Using hand tools safely can also prolong the lifespan and performance of your tools, as they are less prone to damage or malfunction.
• Enhancing Your Reputation and Customer Satisfaction: Using ergonomic hand tools that improve safety can also reflect your professionalism and competence as a trade pro, showing that you care about your work and health. Customers are more likely to trust and recommend you if they see that you use safe, quality tools and follow your industry’s best practices and standards. Ergonomic tools can also help you avoid costly mistakes and rework that can damage your reputation and customer satisfaction.
What to Look for
Here’s what to look for when it comes to ergonomic tools:
• Appropriate for the Task and the Material: For example, if you’re working with metal, use a cutter designed for cutting metal, not plastic or wood. Use a tool that is the right size and shape for the workpiece and the work area. Avoid using tools that are too big, small, or heavy for the job.
• Ergonomic and Comfortable: Look for tools with features that reduce hand fatigue and increase comfort and control. Consider shopping for new tools in person rather than online, so you can test the product, compare it with other options, and see how it feels in your hand.
• In Good Condition and Well-Maintained: Inspect your tools before and after each use, looking for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction. For example, check blades for sharpness, handles for cracks, and cords for frays. Clean, lubricate, sharpen your tools as needed, and store them in a dry and secure place. Replace or repair any defective or unsafe tools.
• Reduce the Number of Tools You Need: Smart pros know to look for tools that help them consolidate the number of items they need to bring into the field that weigh down their bag or belt, or force them to spend extra time looking for the right product on the job. Look for products that offer multiple functions in one, like a hex driver with a reversable socket that allows you to flip between common fastener sizes.
• Get an Assist: Power-assisted tools are often powerful not only in their designs, but in the fact that they help pros save time and headaches when it comes to repetitive tasks that could lead to stress injuries. A good example of an essential power-assisted tool is a shear, roofing seamer, or cutter that attaches to your cordless drill to quickly complete more jobs with less hassle.
Final Thoughts
Of course, in addition to using good quality tools that are specifically designed for ergonomics, always follow proper safety guidelines, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), take steps to prevent accidents, and protect your hands.
It never hurts to return to the basics. Consider investing more in the tools that you use frequently, particularly those that can be sharpened, repaired and/or come with replacement parts for when the time comes. These higher-quality investments often pay for themselves by avoiding waste and the need to replace the entire tool.
Finally, as the old saying goes: you get what you pay for, and trade pros shouldn’t have to pay for cheap tools with their money, time or health. Your safety and the safety of your team is well worth the investment! RB
Jon Olson is the learning and product training manager at Malco Tools, Inc. (malcotools.com).
