Outfitting Your Workshop
By on Feb 21, 2008
Size does matter, as does grip, technique, and positioning. In new homes and condos there are many essential tools that can help you around your home, be it an emergency, day-to-day needs or simply working in your garden or balcony. It is important for both the project and your health that you get the right tools for hanging photographs, minor plumbing repairs, installing electronics, gardening, hanging drapes and for unexpected problems.
Before buying your tools, there are a few things you should consider. Quality will likely mean increased performance and safety. At Occupation Health and Safety British Columbia, they note that health problems such as tendonitis, bursitis, tennis elbow and carpal tunnel can result from tools with the wrong balance and grip.
These problems result from using too much force or an awkward posture, as well as vibration, repetition, contact stress and an incorrectly balanced tool. Many experts warn that there is no such thing as an ?ergonomic? tool.
Workplace Health and Safety Alberta states that the right-sized handle on a tool is one ?that allows the hand to go more than halfway around the handle without thumb and fingers meeting.? They also note that grip surfaces on tools should be smooth, slightly compressible and non-conductive. A hand tool, they recommend, should not weight more than 2.3 kilograms and that the centre of gravity on heavy tools should not be far from your wrist.
All the experts note that you will know when a tool is right for you.
Today, there are tools for the left-handed as well as tools that can be used by both left and right-handed people. There are also tools for women. Tools for women are smaller with a smaller-size grip.
Experts generally agree on what the essentials are. A hammer is an obvious start. The specialists at the Do It Yourself Network recommend a 16 to 20-ounce hammer with a wood handle. Hammers, like any other tool, vary in size and purpose. Check with your local hardware or big box store before buying this or any tool.
Having a variety of nails on hand is also important. Keep in mind that different types of materials require different nails. The Ardox nail was invented by Canadian Allan B. Dove. With its distinctive ?helical spiral? that runs from the head to the nail?s tip, this nail, according to the Canadian Home Workshop, is easier to drive and stays in place 85 per cent longer than a smooth-shafted nail.
Screwdrivers are also essential. The spiral ratchet screwdriver allows you to push down on the handle rather than screwing in the screw. A basic screwdriver is the flat or slot-headed screw driver that is good for general use. A Phillips has an ?X? in the tip which, of course, matches screws with an ?X? in their head. The folks at the Canadian Home Workshop recommend a Canadian invention, the Robertson screwdriver. It is used with 85 per cent of screws used in Canada and is catching on in the United States. The handles are coloured coded according to size.
Pliers are also important. Adjustable pliers are recommended as are needle-nose pliers for delicate work or work done in tight spaces. A 10-inch adjustable wrench is also handy as it can be used for a variety of nuts, bolts and pipes. An electrical tester is important to determine if wires are ?live.? A wire cutter and stripper are also important.
For home or condo owners who have paintings, photographs and plant hangers, an electronic stud finder is important as is a torpedo level that lets you know if a painting or photograph is levelled properly. Tape measures are important as well. The all-purpose oil WD-40 is also helpful.
If in doubt, ask the experts before buying or using a tool. A great opportunity to do this is at the upcoming Canadian Home Workshop Show that runs February 29 through March 2, 2008. Workshops are run at stores like Home Hardware and Canadian Tire. Continuing education evening courses at local high schools will likely have Do it Yourself courses as well.
Having the right tools on hand is important. Speak to the experts first and buy quality tools that come with a warranty.
Sources:
Canadian Home Workshop: www.Canadianhomeworkshop.com
Do It Yourself Network: www.diynetwork.com.
For left handed tools, Lee Valley Tools: www.leevalley.com
Occupational Health and Safety British Columbia, Tool Handles. View for proper grip, size and balance of tools: http://www.ohsah.bc.ca/462/2048/
Workplace Health and Safety Bulletin, Selecting Hand Tools:
The Simple Dollar, 20 Essential Tools For Getting Started With A Home, Garage, and Garden:
Tools and workshops for women, Tomboy Tools: www.tomboytools.ca
Resources:
