How we produce the power tool vibration and noise figures

Where each figure on the power tool pages comes from, which one is shown when a maker gives several, and how the times to the legal limits are worked out.

Updated 5 October 2026. Figures updated 4 October 2026. Next update: No fixed date. We update it when we add makers or a maker changes a figure.

Where do the figures come from?

From each maker’s own manuals, data sheets and product information: 8,897 models from 54 makes. Each figure on a type page links to the document it came from, with a page or row reference where the document has one. Sources checked September 2026.

They are declared figures: what the maker states for a new tool tested to a standard method, not measurements of tools in use on site. ComplyOnSite gathers them. The makers have not reviewed or endorsed the pages, and we are not affiliated with any of them.

Which figure is shown for each model?

Vibration: Makers often declare several figures for one tool: one per job (grinding, cutting, drilling into concrete) and sometimes to more than one standard. We show the highest figure measured to the newest standard the model has. Where two figures share that standard, a three-axis figure is preferred to a single-axis one, then the higher figure. The HAVS calculator offers the others. A figure the maker gives as “less than” is shown that way.
Noise: The sound pressure level at the operator (LpA, in dB(A)), the highest running level at the newest standard the model has. Sound power (LwA) is a different measure, not a level at the ear, so it is never shown or used for times. Nailers, staplers and other fastening tools often declare a level per shot, so no time to 85 dB(A) is given for them.
Uncertainty (K): The maker’s stated uncertainty, shown beside the figure where the maker gives one. It is not added to the figure or to the times.
Older standards: Figures measured to a standard since replaced (EN 50144, ISO 8662) are marked. They often read lower than the same tool would today.

How are the times to the limits worked out?

Each time is for one person using that tool alone, at its declared figure, counting only time with the tool running in their hands.

Vibration action value after: 8 hours × (2.5 ÷ declared figure)². The exposure action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8). For example, a tool declared at 5 m/s² reaches it after 2 hours.
Vibration limit value after: The same sum with the exposure limit value, 5 m/s² A(8).
85 dB(A) after: 8 hours × 10^((85 − declared level) ÷ 10). 85 dB(A) is the upper exposure action value. For example, a tool declared at 94 dB(A) reaches it after 1 hour.

These are the sums the HAVS and noise calculators use, so a figure opened from a type page gives the same answer there.

How are tools grouped and compared?

Each model has one type of tool. A type page lists every model of the types below. A type has a spread (median, middle 80% and range) once at least 8 of its models declare that figure; percentiles use linear interpolation between the nearest models.

Angle grinders: Angle grinder
SDS drills and rotary hammers: Rotary hammer, SDS-max hammer
Breakers and demolition hammers: Breaker, Hydraulic hand-held breaker, Demolition or chipping hammer

How do declared figures compare with real use?

Real work is often higher than the declared figure: worn discs and bits, hard materials and poor upkeep all add to it. For vibration, each type page shows HSE’s typical in-use range for that kind of tool, from HSE’s vibration tool figures. For noise, where HSE has tested the same kind of tool at work, the page shows how far real work was from the declared level, from HSE research: HSE RR1182, 2022, HSE RR1183, 2022, HSE RR1116, 2017.

Use declared figures to choose between tools. For an exposure assessment, use measurements of your own work where you have them.

What is not covered?

Makers and models we have not yet read. A missing model is not a sign it is quieter or lower in vibration.
Whole-body vibration from plant and vehicles.
Hearing protection and anti-vibration accessories.
A model-by-model download. The figures are the makers’ own, so each is shown on its page with a link to the maker’s document, and the downloads are our summaries by type of tool.

Changes and corrections

4 October 2026 Published: makers’ declared vibration and noise by type of tool, with pages for angle grinders, SDS drills and breakers.

When we correct a figure, we list it here with the date and what changed. Spotted one that looks wrong? Tell us which one and we will check it against the source.