A variation on the steel shank with a built-in tuning fork. Strong, resilient and light, but wood breaks. Developed as a stronger replacement for hickory, and still popular. In fact, if you shop for a new hammer, you'll find enough handle variations to take up an entire wall display. And increasingly, manufacturers are touting the ergonomic benefits of their tools.
Handles can be straight or curved, with plain, plastic or even leather grips.
In addition to varying degrees of durability, hammer handles also absorb different amounts of vibration and shock. Research now under way at the Ergonomic Technology Center at the University of Connecticut Medical Center is exploring how these design variables affect conditions such as carpal-tunnel syndrome, tendinitis or even neurovascular damage. Research may improve the plight of tool users In a partnership with Stanley Tools, the ErgoCenter is looking at a variety of hammers from different manufacturers. Eventually, however, researchers Nick Warren and Don Peterson hope the work will result in a Hand Tool Ergonomic Data Sheet. Like the Material Safety Data Sheets that already inform workers about hazardous materials, this new set of standards would help co nsumers learn more about the ergonomics of tools before buying them.