Forceful Exertion - Grip

A pinch grip is a grasp where the thumb is pressed against the fingers without involving the palm. Pinch grips are often used for precision work, but should only be used when the force is low. There are three types of pinch grips:

• Tip pinch - using only the tips of the fingers and thumb (holding a screw)
• Chuck pinch - using the thumb and first two fingers (holding a pencil)
• Lateral pinch - using the thumb and side of the first finger (holding a key)

A power grip is a grasp where the hand wraps completely around the handle of a tool and the fingers curl toward the palm. It provides the most power and should be used when the force required is high. The force generated by a pinch grip is 15-25 percent of the force generated by a power grip.

The following tips will help with lowering the risk of injury from forceful gripping:

• Use tool counter-balancers to suspend tools.
• Use light tools, when possible.
• Instead of carrying loads, use conveyors, hand trucks, or carts.
• Use long lever arms on tools, when possible.

To learn more about Labor & Industry Ergonomics visit our Labor & Industry Ergonomics Online Training web page.