Hand Warmer

What are hand warmers and what are they used for?

Hand warmers are used to warm hands. They are most often used outside to warm hands during cold winter weather. They are placed in the pockets of shirts or jackets to warm the cold parts of the body. Many people use hand warmers for football games or during other outdoor activities. While mostly used in cold weather, some hand warmer packs may also be used as a warm press for pain relief. Some hand warmers might even be used to dry socks or heat drinks.

Chemical hand warmers

Chemical hand warmers heat up through a chemical reaction. The hand warmer pouches usually contain a mixture of iron powder, salt, water, and activated carbon. Many hand warmer pack manufacturers add other filler materials. To activate the chemical hand warmers, they need to be shaken. Oxygen mixes with the iron powder, creating iron oxide. This causes the warmer packets to heat up. It usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes to activate. The temperature they reach varies, though typically chemical hand warmers usually reach around 135 degrees Fahrenheit or 57 degrees Celsius. How long the effect lasts depends on the brand. These hand warmers are disposable, as, once the chemical reaction is finished, they are no longer effective.

Electrical hand warmers

Electrical hand warmers, or rechargeable hand warmers, must be charged in order to use them. These devices change the electrical energy into heat. Electric hand warmers usually allow the user to choose the temperature, which often ranges from 95 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. These devices are meant to be reusable hand warmers that are kept and used over and over. Electric hand warmers usually come in the form of a small egg-like device, though other forms, such as a hand muff, can be found.