DIY Tool Grips

How to create comfortable, nonslip grips for hand tools

Hello and welcome to Joe Shows How! If you’re like most homeowners, you probably own an arsenal of hand tools that you use when working around the house, shop and yard. However, many hand tools—hammers, wrenches, hatchets, chisels, and the like—have bare handles made of wood or steel, which provide no protection from vibration, or fatigue. In this week’s video I’ll share a quick, easy and very affordable way to add a cushioned grip to any tool.

Here’s all you need to do:

First, go to a local pharmacy or department store and in the first-aid aisle buy a roll of self-adherent wrap. It looks like a roll of tape, and is used to support sprained wrists, ankles and other joint injuries. The cushiony wrap comes in various widths and while it has no adhesive, it does stick to itself. So, all you need to do is wrap it around the tool’s handle several times, making sure to slightly overlap the previous wrap by 1/2 to 3/4 inches. Trim the wrap to length with scissors, then squeeze it tightly to secure it to the handle. Note that this tip will not only make your tools more comfortable to use, it’ll also make them safer because the tools will be much less likely to slip out of your hand. And don’t forget to use self-adherent wrap on your lawn and garden tools, too. It’s a great way to prevent blisters when using a rake, shovel or hoe. Thanks for watching!