A fun part of solving ergonomics problems in the workplace is the testing of potential solutions. One of the simplest and most common ergonomic improvements is building up and padding the grips on hand tools.
Whether it is to increase the diameter of the grip, to pad the surface and reduce contact pressure, or to increase friction and improve holding power, simple modifications to tool handles can yield significant results in many precision or repetitive tasks.
For some reason, tool manufacturers believe that if one end of a wrench is precisely forged and machined to fit a 1-7/16 inch hexagonal nut, the other end should be designed to fit a 1-9/16 inch hexagonal nut
This article originally appeared in The Ergonomics Report™ on 2003-05-01.