Repetitive hand sanding with firm gripping can lead to hand and wrist MSDs such as tendonitis, muscle strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome.  Tendonitis is inflammation usually in the tendons that bend the fingers.  These tendons are attached to muscles in the forearm and elbow, which can also become strained.  Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of a nerve that passes through the wrist.  Forceful and repetitive hand and wrist activities can cause all of these MSDs, and the use of ergonomic hand sanding blocks may help to reduce forceful gripping of sandpaper.  Also, sanding blocks may make it possible to sand with a comfortable, neutral wrist position.

Ergonomic handles on sanding blocks reduce forceful hand and wrist activities, awkward wrist and joint postures by reducing the amount of grip force required to sand a surface, and making it possible to perform sanding tasks while maintaining neutral, comfortable postures of the wrist, elbow and other joints.

• Independent published studies have found a risk reduction.
• Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction.
• Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.

There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using ergonomic sanding blocks on the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders.  Regardless, numerous research studies have been conducted on tool handle diameter and shape.  The results of these studies suggest that the optimal diameter of a handle should be in the range of 1.22 inches – 1.96 inches (31 – 50 mm).  Diameters at the lower end of the range aide in improving dexterity and diameters at the upper end of the range help to improve torque.  Gripping single sheets of sandpaper would require a pinch grip not within the optimal diameter.

Companies such as Gator Tool Company, Carborundum Abrasives, Preppin Weapon, and Festool claim that their ergonomic sanding blocks are able to minimize exposure to forceful exertions and awkward postures compared to other sanding methods.

Health and safety experts believe that ergonomic handles on sanding blocks may help to reduce exposure to forceful gripping postures and allow work without hand fatigue. 

Productivity may be indirectly improved with the use of a sanding blocks with ergonomic handles or grips.  This increased productivity may be due to reduced muscle fatigue and the ability to use more powerful gripping positions, and the potential for fewer mistakes and less lost time due to MSDs.

• Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity.
• Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.

Manufacturers of ergonomic sanding blocks claim that workers who are more comfortable are more productive.  The manufacturers believe that their ergonomically designed sanding blocks will reduce discomfort and fatigue in the worker.

Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because:  1) workers can sand for longer periods with fewer breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries.

Gator Tool Company
For purchasing information, visit http://www.zipsander.com or contact at 800-255-4748.

Festool
For purchasing information, visit http://www.amazon.com/ . A review is available at http://homefixated.com/festool-hand-sanding-block-set-review/

McFeely's
For purchasing information, visit http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/BPC-1149/Preppin-Weapon-Sanding-Blocks-Set-of-Four or contact at 800-443-7937.

3M, Sandblaster Sanding Tools
For purchasing information, visit http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Sandblaster_US/Home/ or call 888-364-3577.

Sandpaper will need to be changed more or less frequently depending on the type of materials that will be sanded.