A. Know Your Job

Before you select a tool, think about the job you will be doing. Tools are designed for specific purposes. Using a tool for something other than its intended purpose often damages the tool and could cause you pain, discomfort, or injury. You reduce your chances of being injured when you select a tool that fits the job you will be doing.

The list of tools in each category shows a few examples of tools that are most frequently used.

Examples:

Cutting, pinching, gripping handtools
  • Pliers
  • Snips
  • Cutters

Examples:

Handtools for striking
  • Hammers

Examples:

Driving handtools
  • Screwdrivers
  • Hand wrenches
  • Nut drivers
  • T-handle wrenches

Examples:

Struck or hammered handtools
  • Punches
  • Chisels
  • Nail sets

Next, consider whether you need the tool to provide power or precision. Then select the tool with the correct handle diameter or grip span.

For Power Tasks

Single-Handle Tools Double-Handle Tools
HANDLE DIAMETER for power tasks is 1 1/4 inches to 2 inches
Single-handle Handtools 		OPEN GRIP SPAN for power tasks is not more than 3 1/2 inches
Double-handle Handtools

CLOSED GRIP SPAN for power tasks is not less than 2 inches
Double-handle Handtools

For Precision Tasks

Single-Handle Tools Double-Handle Tools
HANDLE DIAMETER for precision tasks is 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch
Single-handle Handtools 		OPEN GRIP SPAN for precision tasks is not more than 3 inches
Double-handle Handtools

CLOSED GRIP SPAN for precision tasks is not less than 1 inch
Single-handle Handtools
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