Haardevahendid

Haardevahendid is a category of tools and devices designed to grip, hold, or manipulate objects. In Estonian usage the term literally means grip tools, and in a broader sense it covers both manual hand tools and automated grippers used in industry, medicine, and cooking.

Common examples include pliers (including needle-nose, side-cutting, and locking pliers), clamps (C-clamps, bar clamps), tweezers and forceps, and tongs. In automated settings, grippers and end effectors based on friction, mechanical, or pneumatic actuation perform gripping tasks on assembly lines. Medical and laboratory contexts use forceps and graspers designed for delicate handling, while culinary contexts use tongs for picking up and manipulating hot or slippery foods.

Design and materials: haardevahendid typically feature jaws with serrated or textured gripping surfaces, sometimes lined with rubber or plastic to protect delicate parts. They use mechanical advantage via fulcrums or locking mechanisms, and may employ hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuation in automation. Materials are normally hardened steel or stainless steel, with coatings to resist corrosion; ergonomics and handle insulation are important for safety and control.

Safety and usage: selection depends on required grip strength, jaw shape, reach, and load rating. Proper use includes avoiding excessive force, regularly maintaining moving parts, and using protective equipment as appropriate.

See also: pliers, clamps, forceps, tweezers, grippers, tongs.