Tag Archives: hand tools

The Secret to Stronger, Lighter Tools: Meet the Hand-Plier with a Durable, Hollow Design

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Following in the footsteps of this generative-designed adjustable wrench by Desktop Metal, the Alu-Zange is an aluminum prototype for a pair of hand-pliers with maximum strength in a minimal material footprint. Designed by Jakob Kukula, former student at Bauhaus University, Weimar, the Alu-Zange pushes the boundaries of product functionality using SKO, or Soft-Kill Option, an evolutionary approach for topology optimization that uses algorithms to determine the least amount of material required to retain 100% product functionality. In a way, SKO works exactly how nature does, optimizing the shape and structure of the skeletons of animals, giving them an evolutionary edge in their own way.

The Alu-Zange was the result of an SKO-based university project, but its practical design has applications that extend beyond the confines of a school curriculum. The hand-plier comes with a design that’s ergonomic and functional, but boasts of a lightweight design thanks to how little material it actually uses. To ensure that the slim plier has no points of failure, it comes with a four-point linkage system that lets you grip objects with the handles. easily. Moreover, the handles have a grippy, broad design that can either be held the conventional way, or in a secure manner by sliding your thumb and finger into the hollow elements in the grip’s design.

Designer: Jakob Kukula

The Alu-Zange’s unique design is the result of a generative algorithm that helps determine the form with the best strength-to-weight ratio possible. Obviously, ergonomics and usability play a main role here, which is where Jakob’s design abilities come in. The unique linkage system between the grip and the plier jaws is a unique touch too, and I could totally see it having its own function as well, like gripping or breaking open things… but I’m getting ahead of myself here. What’s remarkable here is how incredibly skeletal the plier looks, showing that you don’t need to make workshop tools rugged. You just need to be efficient with how you allocate material.

Purely for the purpose of this university exercise, Jakob fabricated his concept from plastic and aluminum, although the real tool would be made from cast iron or tool steel. It’s possible to 3D-print this design, although casting seems like the best bet too, given how the form has no complicated contours that would make molding and de-molding difficult. The hinge could still be a single pivot mechanism if you ask me, but I’m honestly curious to see how this 4-point linkage would work.

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This modular power tool system is user-centered to adapt to changing needs

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Atlas is a user-centered power tool system meant to adapt to changing needs through a modular design.

As technology advances, the expectations of consumers become more demanding. Technology has made instant gratification the standard, turning many of us onto modular designs that are meant to adapt to our changing needs.

Designer: Peter Wilden

Within the scope of smart technology, the transition between demand and gratification really can be instant. It gets a bit blurry when it comes to manual devices like power tools. Designed by Peter Wilden, Atlas is a modular, user-centered power tool system designed to adapt to users’ changing needs.

The concept behind many modular designs is to make the experience of operating devices more individualized for each user. Through modular designs, users can change the purpose of the device to accommodate their needs.

Atlas is comprised of several different modules, each of which carries its own function and form. Starting out with the handlebar, users can switch out different power tool heads to finish different tasks.

“The modular product structure offers the user a highly individualized product system that represents the specific needs of a wide range of applications in the private and professional sectors,” Wilden goes on to describe, “At the same time the focus is on configuration, adaptability, and reparability of product and components.”

Different parameters restrict the ways we interact with power tools–“different use cases, various levels of knowledge, competence, and usage, body specifications” are among the many parameters that keep us from confidently applying power tools to different tasks. Atlas is designed to be an interchangeable power tool that anybody can use, with any level of experience.

The post This modular power tool system is user-centered to adapt to changing needs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Apple-inspired hand tool designs that will be every woodworking enthusiasts dream come true!

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As a woodworking enthusiast who always seizes the opportunity to create a niche sculpture, furniture piece, or fencing for the outdoors, the tools used are as essential as the skilled hand. One usually would shirk away from displaying the good old hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, or the plier on the living room table or your desk. But the handmade tools collection by Tej Chauhan crafted in collaboration with Finnish brand Fiskars for Handmade Wallpapers is a refreshing change to that contemporary belief.

Rather than sitting in the toolbox, this set of designer woodworking/hand tools is good enough for showing off when not being used for the next eye-candy creation or simply after a regular handyman task like fixing the kitchen’s leaking tap. The idea here is to highlight the beauty of everyday hand tools like a hammer or a plier in its best form possible. Each design improves the tool, making them the next generation – a version 2.0 of the tools. The pencil has a built-in bubble level to check the straightness of any surface. The hammer’s sharp end gets a more rounded, ergonomic design that helps you pull out the stray nails without causing any self-injury. Even the plier comes with a strap, so you don’t accidentally drop it on your foot. The tools carry an integrated aesthetics, making the wood and metal appear seamless. The powder-coated finish ensures the tool does not rust and become dull over time. In fact, given their minimal look, these tools bring to mind Apple’s design language – making these the Apple of the tool world.

Conceptualized and designed keeping in mind the modern aesthetics that the consumer demands in their every walk of life, the collection is nothing short of stunning. The use of white and fine craftsmanship to shape these tools speaks a lot about how we perceive everyday objects.
Tej has in a way infused new life in the collection of hand tools designed here with the utmost care and attention to detail. When you need to carry them to your next fixing task, the leather carry bag is the perfect accessory to complement the style. So, don’t you already want to have this on your list of things to own? I certainly do!

Designer: Tej Chauhan

Modular Tools for Micro Spaces

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Getting bored of heavy traditional hand tool clutter? Switch out your piles and piles of different tools for Modular Hand Tools! This innovative set consists of modular pieces to create various tool combinations. Choose from a selection of easy-grip rubber handles and simply snap on the desired head piece. Better yet, when you’re finished they nest into a handy upright stand that keeps things organized while saving space. Whether it’s light gardening or quick fixes, it’s the perfect replacement set for small spaces. 

Designer: Hakan Gürsu

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(Modular Tools for Micro Spaces was originally posted on Yanko Design)

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