What’s new in hand tools?

Plenty. And the bywords are power and functional design, trends owing to an aging population and the legion of women entering the ranks of do-it-yourselfers.

User-friendly grips has played a significant role in the evolution of common hand tools.

According to one industry expert, the renaissance in hand tools is just now gathering steam.

“Power has taken over the hand tool market,” says Craig Webber, vice president of tool merchandising for Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse. “Consumers will see a real boom in the selection of tools with an element of power and convenience built in.”

Webber says the shift from hand power even among old-line tools such as wrenches, saws and tape measures acknowledges in part an aging population for whom ease of use is everything. Aging baby boomers want less stress and strain on muscles and joints and are willing to pay the price for tools that lessen the work load.

Women, too, are a significant factor in tool redevelopment. Women-friendly grips for common items like screwdrivers, pliers and hammers are smaller and cushioned.

“Manufacturers are much more market-driven than just a few years ago,” says Webber. “Ergonomic design to fit the smaller hands of women is just one of the directions tool makers are taking to the market.”

Moreover, Lowe’s estimates women perform at least 25 percent of the work on all home projects and are primary decision makers in more than half of home improvements.

Tool prices, however, have fallen as manufacturers scramble to react to demographic changes. Webber estimates the heated competition has lowered the price of some powered hand tools by nearly half.

But price deflation doesn’t mean tool quality is cheap. Webber says just the opposite is happening. Although consumers do fewer projects, they routinely upgrade to professional-grade tools.

“A lot of people buy tools that a pro would use day in and day out,” says Webber. “Tools made now last longer and are safer to use. People tell us, too, that there is simply a lot of joy in using a well-made tool that does the job better.”

Air compressors that power a wide range of hand tools are one example of how top-grade tools have made the way from professional to home use. More than $400 just a few years ago, $200 gas or electric compressors can drive paint sprayers, affect wrenches or socket wrenches. The total cost for an assortment of compressor tools: less than $250.

The movement to power affects even simple items such as tape measures and levels. Today’s tape measure likely has a digital readout and magnetic tip, while levels also use laser light with easy-to-read digital displays.

“We don’t see this trend changing much over the next few years,” says Webber.