An Ergonomic Evaluation of Cleco Pliers

Repetitive use of a hand tool requiring large forces along with unnatural postures can cause musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity. Cleco pliers are used to install fasteners to sheet metals in aircraft manufacturing. The present study compares two types of mechanical Cleco piers in terms of repetition, grip force, posture, and discomfort and identifies their major design features which affect the ergonomic interface between the hand and the tool.