Analysis of Factors Influencing Grip and Comfort of Side Nippers’ Usage in Plastic Model Kit Building

Abstract

An ergonomic analysis on the side cutter/nippers design was conducted in relation to the comfort of the user. A total of 20 male participants participated in the study, most of which are right-hand dominant. These factors: Handle length (min: 62.70mm, max: 110.00mm), handle diameter (min: 7.50mm; max: 16.40), handle shape, handle inter distance, and grip method were determined to be the most important factor in the tool design to consider for the comfort of the user. Most of the users experience ache, pain, and discomfort on the Area E of the hand. It is considered that side cutters/nippers with the handle length that spreads the entire breadth of the palm to be the most comfortable to use. The results can be used as the basic data for the manufacturers’ design of the side cutter/nippers.