Abstract
The principal design criteria for plier-like hand tools, using garden pruning shears as an example are presented. The criteria have been created especially for use with the quality function deployment (QFD) method, and thus the main criteria are divided into subgroups. Though studies in the area of hand tool ergonomics have been published, a detailed list of the factors which should be taken into consideration when one is designing new non-powered hand tools is still lacking. This comprehensive list can also serve as a checklist in the evaluation process for hand tools. Ergonomic design considerations can reduce force demands and fatigue and also improve the comfort of users.
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