BAC Journal > Finding the Best Hand Tools

Finding the Best Hand Tools

2012 Issue 3
Safety

It must be better…They say it's "ergonomically designed"

JOURNAL: ISSUE 3 - 2012

Numbness, tingling or pain in your hand, wrist or arm may be a sign that your hand tools are not the best fit. Since BAC members spend most of their working hours using such tools, the Masonry r2p Partnership is developing criteria to help members determine which hand tools have treal ergonomic design benefits and are "best" ones for their work.

Which hand tool would you redesign?

(Top tools mentioned)

  • Trowel
  • Jointer
  • Level
  • Hammer
  • Grinder
  • Tuckpointing tools
  • Knee pads

Through BAC Craft Committee discussions and member surveys, this BAC-IMI-ICE safety and health partner-ship, with help from CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training, is collecting the information needed to begin the process. The first step, completed earlier this year: create a master list of hand tools by trade and find out what influences members' purchasing decisions. Next: learn where members purchase hand tools, what they consider the top brands, and which ones are most in need of design improvements. Here is what members had to say:

 

 

Where do you purchase your hand tools?

More than half of members surveyed said they purchase hand tools from a local masonry or supply tool company, including tool supply catalogues. This was followed by hardware stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, or ACE; BAC Tool Sales; online or direct from the manufacturer; or another source, such as a relative, garage sale, etc. Two percent of members said their employer provides all hand tools.

What do you consider the best brands? And why?

(Note – members could give more than one answer)

. The top reasons: durability and quality , followed by comfort and safety, cost, familiarity and reliability. Other reasons included availability, made in America, precision, offers a warranty, or were recommended.

  • Durability — 69% + Quality 21% = 90%
  • Comfort — 27% + Safety 3% = 30%
  • Cost = 10% Familiarity = 9%
  • Reliability = 9%
  • Other (availability, made in America, precision, warranty, or recommended) = 18%

Look for updates on this initiative and other Partnership activities in the BAC Journal or at the Partnership's website www.masonryr2ppartnership.org.