We don’t contemplate purchasing a simple screwdriver the way we do about a screw drill. Yet there are also considerable differences in quality and functionality in hand tools. What should you look at before making your choice?
The brand
Just like with power tools, there are hobby brands and professional brands for hand tools. The former generally have the advantage of a lower price, the latter of higher quality. All professional manufacturers of hand tools make products that can withstand frequent and long-term use. But some brands have earned a rock-solid reputation among professional users in their speciality.
Ask a professional about his screwdrivers, and there is a good chance you will hear the name Wera. Wera has a worldwide reputation for screwdrivers and bits. Their products are characterized by beautiful design and superior ergonomics.
For pliers, you are always in the right place with Knipex. This German brand has always concentrated on one product group, and the Knipex pliers are known for their quality and efficiency. The range includes more than 100 types of pliers in almost 1000 different sizes and lengths.
And in garden tools, Gardena is the one brand that sets the tone. Gardena is a worldwide favourite among garden owners and professional gardeners due to its complete range and smart combination system, which makes the right handle/tool combination possible for every application.
The material
Hand tools are usually partly made of steel. The hardness of this steel is crucial for its quality. Hardened steel hand tools work better and last longer. When purchasing, look for the abbreviation HSS on the packaging. This is a quality mark that guarantees hardness. HSS stands for ‘High-Speed Steel’. a high-quality steel alloy. HSS is significantly more resistant to wear than tool steel.
The handle
Professional use of hand tools can eventually lead to physical complaints due to overload. That is why professional brands pay great attention to the ergonomic aspects of their products. An essential condition for comfortable and safe use is a good handle. Professional hand tools best deal with repetition, posture, force, localized pressure and vibration. The friction between the material of the handle and the skin also influences the hand force exerted. Rubber offers good friction with the skin, and therefore, a rubber handle requires less force. A wooden handle on a hammer absorbs shocks better than a steel handle. You will also see that the handle of professional tools is often slightly curved: this helps to spread the hand force evenly over all fingers.
