Rubber grips for hand tools 2

[mmitcham]

I am looking for a type of foam-rubber sleeve for hand tools that will provide grip assistance and lessen mechanical contact stress for my workers. Does anyone know where I can find these?<br>
Thanks,<br>
mmitcham@yamaha.com<br>

 

[DeForest]

Although not normally seen in the industrial trades there are grip materials available from some suppliers of adaptive materials for the disabled. These materials com in avariety of duramaters and geometries. I don't know how well they hold up in a manufacturing enviroment, but I suspect it may be something to investigate.<br>
<br>
A distributor is Maddak Inc. 937-628-7600 <br>
Catalog #0699 page 81 Closed cell tubing and a Dyna Form-It Putty that shapes to the users grip and sets hard.<br>
<br>
may be an unusual source, but it's outside the box.<br>
Good Luck<br>
Al

 

[DeForest]

Although not normally seen in the industrial trades there are grip materials available from some suppliers of adaptive materials for the disabled. These materials com in avariety of duramaters and geometries. I don't know how well they hold up in a manufacturing enviroment, but I suspect it may be something to investigate.<br>
<br>
A distributor is Maddak Inc. 937-628-7600 <br>
Catalog #0699 page 81 Closed cell tubing and a Dyna Form-It Putty that shapes to the users grip and sets hard.<br>
<br>
may be an unusual source, but it's outside the box.<br>
Good Luck<br>
Al

 

[MikeVV]

Look at McMaster Carr's website. Their catolog of industrial supplies is on-line and may contain such products. I am aware of tool engineers who have had parts dip-coated with soft plastic. This process is typical for handtools.<br>
<br>
MJVanVoorhis@Compuserve.com

 

[mtuengr]

An even simpler item to use is Rubbermaid foam rubber shelf paper available just about anywhere. This is used in the physical therapy world as an inexpensive method of adapting everyday items like toothbrushes and hair brushes to those folks who have poor gripping abilities. It's usually attached via rubber bands and can be adapted to the size of an individuals hand. Very good to use for padding in areas where people like to smack the palms of their hands against as well.

 

[ie3]

If the tools are pnuematic, Cleco and most of the companies that manufacture tools make sleeves suitable for the tools. Prices are typically $3-$4 each. From experience they function very well for the application. However, the operators tend to not like them because of bulk. With pistol grip tools we have found the various gel palmed gloves to be a better alternative from the operators point of view. Straight drivers tend to be okay with the foam sleeve.

We have tried numerous examples of the add-on tapes, padding, rubber, etc. and have found none to be as useful as the above. I currently have about 100 operators using the gloves and 250 using the foam sleeves.

Just as an aside, the most important factor in finding an antivibration padding has been operator acceptance. It's just one of the psychological problems they forgot to mention in school!

Good luck finding the right solution for you.

John C.

 

[tcampbe1]

Try Hunt-Wilde Corp. They make vinyl and foam grips. Some of the vinyl ones have laminations that are soft and make for a sure grip. They are a manufacturer and like large orders, but you may find them or a distributor with some left over stock.

 

[constable]

Had a similar problem in the past and it was solved by using the handle bar grips for bicycles.
The type we bought were known by the commercial name of "Shockstops" and the solution was positive.
Regards
Constable at DART Aviation Systems