Difference between Lay one’s hands on something and Lay one’s hands to something

lay one’s hands on something —(also: put one’s hands on something)

1. find or locate smth.:

• I can’t lay my hands on the account book—have you seen it?

2. gain possession of smth.:

• I’d like to know where I can lay my hands on that special tobacco.

lay one’s hands to something—start work on smth.; engage in smth.:

• In John Gollan’s words, “there is no more noble task to which we could lay our hands.”