Question Will hand tools with ergonomic enhancements eliminate cumulative trauma disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome?

Answer:

No, no hand tool, regardless of ergonomic enhancement is capable of being a "magic bullet" and eliminating possible cumulative trauma disorders. Your enemy is still the repetitive nature of the work and fatigue. With ergonomically enhanced hand tools you benefit to the degree that fatigue is postponed and trauma is reduced. Your goal is to postpone fatigue to the point where a rest period occurs before the tool user fatigues.

For the estimated 20% of the population that is predisposed to CTD no hand operated tool is going to eliminate the problem. Assessing the work being done and the people doing the work is essential in choosing appropriate tools. Some form of automation, such as a pneumatic tool is indicated in high volume, repetitive motion work situations.