Current analytical models of grasping and manipulation with robotic hands contain simplifications and assumptions that limit their application to manufacturing environments. Ta evaluate these models, a study was undertaken of the grasps used by machinists in a small batch manufacturing operation. Based on the study, a taxonomy of grasps was constructed. An expert system also was developed to clarify the issues involved in human grasp choice. Comparisons of the grasp taxonomy, the expert system and grasp quality measures derived from the analytic models reveal that the analytic measures are useful for describing grasps in manufacturing tasks, despite the limitations in the models. In addition, the grasp taxonomy provides insights for the design of versatile robotic hands for manufacturing.