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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
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    Lilyfield NSW
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    Default Hand tools for an arthritis sufferer - advice needed

    Hi, I'm not sure if I'm in the right discussion group. I am looking for a something for my dad who has arthritis in his right hand. Most screwdrivers are too skinny for him to grip properly because he can't close his hand completely. I had a brief look on the internet and found these ...https://www.amazon.com/Ergonomic-Scr.../dp/B079SJZP51...He already has loads of tools, including a massive bit set, so I am not sure if a whole new set of screwdrivers is the right solution.

    Does anyone know of something else/similar / better...(or have the same issue) and can you recommend any other gadgets/ adapters.

    All advice re general tools/hand arthritis would be greatly appreciated.
    Regards

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
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    27,756

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    My sister has a similar condition and had to stop gardening because she could no longer hold gardening implements. Our solution was to buy some copper hot water pipe insulating foam rubber and cuts short lengths of thaT TO slip that over the tool handles so the handles were fatter. There are different sizes (13 to 38 mm) and thicknesses of the foam. This has worked really well and she has been gardening for the last 12 months with these. She has done a similar thing to household cleaning implements, brooms, mops etc. If the handles are too small she just cuts some of the foam rubber and binds it back together and to the handles with packing tape

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Far Western NSW
    Posts
    60

    Default

    I know a bloke with bad arthritis who still enjoys his time in his workshop. Like BoBL described with his sister my mates tools are all covered with plumbers lagging foam. It looks kind of funny but he works away happily with his "fat" handled tools including screwdrivers. Try the foam on his screwdrivers and I'm sure your dad will be a convert.

    Mick.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Brisbane (western suburbs)
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    77
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    12,093

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    For driving screws with arthritic hands, I would've suggested a battery-operated drill/driver. Easier once you get the bit in the chuck, but I know from my own increasing arthritis that holding the chuck while I tighten or loosen is becoming more difficult. Maybe some foam on the outer ring of the chuck would help that? Must give it a try, sometime - thanks!

    Cheers,
    IW

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Ireland
    Posts
    84

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    Quote Originally Posted by IanW View Post
    For driving screws with arthritic hands, I would've suggested a battery-operated drill/driver. Easier once you get the bit in the chuck, but I know from my own increasing arthritis that holding the chuck while I tighten or loosen is becoming more difficult. Cheers,
    What about ditching the chuck for small holes and screw driving. In my own case I use an impact driver with hex shank drills and driver bits. I also have problems applying torque and the impact driver puts no strain on my arm at all for even the largest screws. Regards Jim

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    10,810

    Default

    Screwdrivers by Wera are excellent ...




    Get one of these for yourself ...






    However, if holding, gripping and turning is an issue, then I would look at a small cordless, such as the small Bosch 3.6v drivers. I have had one for about 10 years and it is amazing ...



    Regards from Perth

    Derek
    Visit www.inthewoodshop.com for tutorials on constructing handtools, handtool reviews, and my trials and tribulations with furniture builds.

  8. #7
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    Mar 2004
    Location
    Brisbane (western suburbs)
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    Quote Originally Posted by jimhanna View Post
    What about ditching the chuck for small holes and screw driving. In my own case I use an impact driver with hex shank drills and driver bits. I also have problems applying torque and the impact driver puts no strain on my arm at all for even the largest screws....
    Good advice, Jim. I don't relish the cost of replacing my several sets of small bits, but the way things are going I guess I'm going to have to bite the bullet sometime in the coming years ifI want to keep up my shed habit...

    P'raps with the baby boomers getting to the decrepit stage, there'll be a comeback for keyed chucks. I'd be quite happy with that, the keyless things they put on mid-priced drill & drivers have pretty poor holding power compared with the keyed chucks of old. I can still handle a key without too much trouble....

    Cheers,
    IW

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Hobart, Tas
    Posts
    1,211

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    Quote Originally Posted by derekcohen View Post
    However, if holding, gripping and turning is an issue, then I would look at a small cordless, such as the small Bosch 3.6v drivers. I have had one for about 10 years and it is amazing ...

    I second this. I had a pin inserted through my wrist as a youngster, and have struggled with repeated rotation when using a screwdriver ever since. We were given one of these also about ten years ago, and it has been a God send around the house.

    Kind regards,
    Lance

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Lilyfield NSW
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    Default

    Great suggestion. Will definitely try that.

  11. #10
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    Looks like that foam could have lots of applications! Am definitely going to get him a selection. Thanks. Great solution. Cheers

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2012
    Location
    Lilyfield NSW
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    Thanks heaps everyone for all that great advice and ideas. Definitely going to get my dad an assortment of foam and some of those handy tools. Any tools he decides don't suit him, well I might just have to keep them.

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