Lawn & Garden

(NAPS)Repetition and continuous pressure from hand tools can cause cramps, calluses and sometimes accidents for do-it-yourselfers and pros. Professional painters and masons are known to get carpal tunnel syndrome from such movements. When your hands are your life, your hobby and/or your money makers, it is imperative to attempt to provide the best protection to increase your production. That is why it is important to use the right tools for
the job.

Tips For Selecting Proper
Hand Tools

Look for soft spots and finger rests in the right places. Richard Meyer, product manager for hand tools at Red Devil, Inc., urges do-it-yourselfers to look for the new comfort grip tools on the market. "We commissioned a two-year, worldwide study of hand motions and gripping technology to develop a line of putty knives and scrapers that are more comfortable and easy on the hand," said Meyer. He also added that hand tools like the Ergo 2000 can increase productivity because they allow you to work longer. Meyer offered these tips for selecting the right hand tools for the job.

Types Of Hand Tools And Their Uses

· Flexible knives are primarily used for spackling, taping or spreading compound on drywall. They have more give for applying
compounds into tight joints or feathering to even out a surface.

· A stiff putty knife has many uses. For example, its primary use is to pry out old excess putty around windows. But it is often used for removing old caulk or stickers
or for cleaning residue from underneath lawn mowers.

· A scraper, with a sharper edge than other tools, is essential for removing old paint.

· Spackling knives should be stiff enough for filling holes in cracks, yet flexible enough so as not to mark up or damage the surrounding area or finished surface.

· Taping knives should be wide enough to apply the tape with minimum effort and to not allow air pockets to form. Consistent, smooth application of tape over the drywall is desired.

· Multi-Function Toolsthere are tools on the market that do many jobs, saving you from having to switch during a job or from having to buy additional tools. These multi-function hand tools may be used to scrape paint, clean rollers or to dig out old compound, to name just a few chores.

Features To Look For

· The spackling knife should be wider that the hole or crack you are filling.

· The hand tool should feel
comfortable in your hand from
the start.

· If this tool is going to be used
over and over again, look at the composition. It should be sturdy and have a blade that runs the length of the tool.

· Make sure you have all you need at the start of the job, so you don't have to make frequent trips to the hardware store.

Some jobs require a very specialized set of tools, such as wallpapering and tiling. Check with your hardware or home center dealer if you have questions. It will save time, labor and most of all, it may save your hand!

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