ABSTRACT
Engineers can select from a wide variety of handtools. Handtool costs are divided into capital cost, maintenance cost, and utility cost. This chapter focuses on how the tool is used—ergonomics. Purchasing departments may focus only on what the tool can do. The chapter provides eight guidelines that will help engineer in their selection. Guideline 1 emphasizes the desirability of specialized tools, guideline 2 using tools with both hands, and guideline 3 powering with motors. Guidelines 4, 5, and 6 focus on the grip. Guideline 7 emphasizes the angles involved and the reduction of musculoskeletal disorders. Guideline 8 focuses on the use of the proper muscle group. Muscles generally are paired. Balancers reduce the use of muscles to support the weight of the tool. Since female hands tend to be smaller than male hands, handtools designed for men tend to be too large for women.
