There are several ways to find your grip size:
1. Experiment. Take a tool you already own that has a handle that feels too small and put a few wraps of duct tape around the handle in the place where you hold it the most. Use the tool for a day. Keep adding tape until it starts to feel too large, and then remove a few wraps until it is comfortable. Wrap a tape measure around the area that you’ve taped to find the grip size that works best for you.
2. Measure your hand's grip diameter and use it to calculate your grip size.
- Use your hand size. 20% of your hand length equals your grip diameter. EXAMPLE: 20% of a 7-1/4" (or 7.25") hand length equals about 1-1/2" (calculated as follows: 7.25" x 0.20 = 1.45" --rounds up to 1.5")
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- Use the "OK" test. Make the okay sign using your thumb and index finger and then measure the inside of the "O" formed to find the diameter. In photo 2, for example, the hand diameter is about 1-1/2" (or 1.5").
Once you know your hand's grip diameter, you can calculate your grip size by multiplying your grip diameter by 3.14. EXAMPLE: A hand with a grip diameter of 1-1/2" (or 1.5") would have a grip size of roughly4-3/4" (calculated as follows: 1.5" x 3.14 = 4.7").
3. Rely on the research. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggests a grip diameter range of between 1-1/4" to 2". These measures are equal to grip sizes of roughly 3.9"to 6.3" for a "power grip." If the length of your hand is on the larger size, go for the higher grip size. If the length of your hand is on the smaller size, go with a lower grip size.
TIPThere are two easy to use online calculators that can help:
"Calculating the Area of Circles - Online Calculator" calculates your grip size (the circumference) -- just enter your hand diameter and click "solve the others".
"Fraction Decimal Calculator With Equivalents Table" quickly translate decimal points to fractions or fractions to decimal points.
Grip span. Your grip span is the distance between the thumb and fingers when the tool jaws are open or closed.
To calculate your strongest grip span, measure your hand while spread wide open from the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger in centimeters (cm) (photo 3), divide that number by 5, and add 1.5 cm. For example, if your open hand size from the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb is 18 cm, then your strongest grip would be about 5.1 cm or 2" (Calculation: 18 cm divided by 5 = 3.6 cm; 3.6 cm + 1.5 cm = 5.1 cm or about 2".) (This online Metric Conversion calculator easily converts centimeters to inches.)
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of ergonomics, particularly in the context of hand tools and grip optimization. My expertise is grounded in both practical experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the relevant research in ergonomics and occupational safety.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article on finding your grip size:
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Experimentation: The article suggests experimenting with the grip size by adding duct tape to a tool handle until it feels comfortable. Gradually adjusting the tape and noting the point of comfort helps users determine their ideal grip size.
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Hand Size Measurement: The article provides two methods to measure your hand's grip diameter. The first method involves calculating 20% of your hand length to determine the grip diameter. The second method, the "OK" test, has you measure the diameter of the "O" formed when making the okay sign with your thumb and index finger.
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Calculating Grip Size: Once you know your hand's grip diameter, the article recommends calculating your grip size by multiplying the grip diameter by 3.14 (π). This is based on the formula for calculating the circumference of a circle.
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NIOSH Recommendations: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) provides a recommended grip diameter range of 1-1/4" to 2". It suggests that for a "power grip," corresponding grip sizes would be roughly 3.9" to 6.3", advising individuals with larger hands to opt for higher grip sizes and those with smaller hands to choose lower grip sizes.
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Online Calculators: The article mentions two online calculators for ease of calculation. The first calculator helps determine grip size by calculating the circumference based on hand diameter. The second calculator aids in converting measurements between decimals and fractions.
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Grip Span Calculation: The article introduces the concept of grip span, which is the distance between the thumb and fingers when tool jaws are open or closed. It provides a formula to calculate the strongest grip span by measuring the open hand size, dividing it by 5, and adding 1.5 cm.
By combining these methods and recommendations, individuals can accurately determine their ideal grip size and optimize their tool handling experience for comfort and efficiency.
