If you’re left-handed this isn’t news to you. But for the right-handed majority, it might come as a surprise how many of the tools we take for granted in our DIY adventures just aren’t suited to southpaws.
Take plain old scissors. Their handles are molded for the right hand. Same with tin snips and other shears, which, if they have a locking mechanism, have it situated on the thumb side for a right-handed person.
Try using your utility knife left handed. The thumb slide and lock is on the wrong side, forcing you to use both hands to get things going.
Tool belts more often have loops for your hammer and other larger tools on the right with nail pouches on the left. That makes sense if you’re right-handed, but not if you’re not.
The tape measure’s pretty straightforward; it must be lefty-friendly, right? Not so. Normally, a right-handed person holds the cartridge with his right hand and pulls out the tape with his left. A left-handed person would do the opposite. Only problem is, then the numbers are, nine times out of ten, upside down.
Circular saws have their throttle triggers, stabilizing handles and blades situated perfectly for right-handers — which makes them perfectly awkward for left-handers.
Ditto compound miter saws. Try cutting using your left hand on the trigger. On second thought, don’t.
As for chainsaws, if you’re left-handed, you don’t even want to go near one of these.
The good news for lefties is, there are tools available for you. And if you’re right handed, next time you pick up a tape measure, you might just appreciate being part of the majority.