HAND TOOLS PLASTIC COATINGS

Plastic coatings provide many benefits for hand tools and the people who use them, including:

• Soft, rubbery feel for a better, more comfortable grip and reduction in hand fatigue
• Insulation from extreme temperatures and electrical current
• Colorful options for safety, color coding, and brand marking
• Protection from moisture, chemicals, corrosives, impacts, abrasions, and other hazards

Plastisol is typically applied using a hot-dip or cold-dip technique, while powder coatings are applied by fluidized bed or electrostatic spray methods. 

Coating thickness depends primarily on the item to be coated and the material and method used. Spray powder coatings are generally the thinnest (around 1 - 10 mils or .001" - .01"), fluidized bed coatings are normally a little thicker (7 - 25 mils or .007" - .025"), and plastisol dip coatings usually range between 40 - 250 mils or .04" - .25". 

Because polymer coatings almost always require a certain degree of heat curing, tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, pry bars, and similar hand tools are best choices. Because of their excellent insulating qualities, plastic coatings are also ideal for electrical tools, including those for high-voltage work.

Plastisol is typically applied to make tool handles softer, safer, and easier to hold. Powder coatings used on hand tools include vinyl, Halar™, nylon, and epoxy, providing reduced friction, protection against wear and damage, and insulation against electrical current.