Advantages of wooden or fiberglass handles:
Wooden handles for tools are undoubtedly fundamental for craftsmen and hobbyists, but also for farmers, builders and people who take care of wooded areas.
And yet, did you know that wooden handles are not the only alternative offered by the market?
After over a century of wooden handles production, we at Foppoli Bramin are certainly biased and we know that in many cases the traditional choice is the winning one.
However, in this article we would like to compare the classic wooden handles for tools with handles in different materials, such as plastic handles.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these different types of handles!
Plastic handles, advantages
Called much more simply “fibre handles for tools,” they are actually made from glass fibres reinforced with synthetic resin.
Surely, they have some advantage over traditional wooden handles, such as:
Greater hygiene – whereas wood, being a natural material, is more likely to absorb dirt and, consequently, bacteria. But remember that many wooden handles are treated to avoid this type of problem!
Waterproof – wood is a porous material, which easily absorbs water and other liquids. This can cause deformations, cracks or breakages of the handle over time, especially if it is not dried properly after use. This also applies to humidity and extreme temperature changes that can cause warping or breakage of the handle.
Durability – fibre handles can often be more resistant to stresses than wooden handles, but it is not a given – it depends on the type of wood used for the chosen work (agricultural, construction…)
In short, fibreglass and resin handles are certainly modern and widely used in the industry, but perhaps the most positive feature is precisely the resistance to moisture, which makes them suitable in some particular situations such as, for example, shipyards.
Maintenance: Wooden handles require some care and maintenance to keep them in good working condition. It is important to care for the wood regularly in order to avoid drying and cracking.
Wooden handles: advantages
Wooden handles for tools are usually made of hard, durable wood such as beech and ash, or poplar for lighter handles. All these types of woods provide several pros, which we see in the list below:
Handling – the wood guarantees a comfortable and safe grip when using the tools, which is essential for the safety and comfort of those who work
Design – the beauty of wood as a material is also found in how it can easily be worked to create customised shapes suitable for every need
Firm grip – when working with wet, greasy or sweaty hands, glass handles run the risk of slipping away. This certainly does not happen with traditional wooden handles
Durability – Wooden handles are known for their durability and strength. If treated with care, they can last for many years without being damaged.
Thermal protection – wood is a good thermal insulator, which prevents heat from passing through the handle and burning hands during use.
In short, wooden handles for tools can often be the best choice, but it depends on the situation as well as many other variables, including the user’s personal preferences!
Contact us and request more information in order to understand which type of handle best suits your needs. Our staff will be happy to help you in your choice!
