There are many different types of ergonomic garden tools. This article will cover a few of the most common ergonomic garden tools available, and will also mention a few things to look for when shopping for the tool that's right for you.
Ergonomic Hand Garden Tools
Cordless Angle Drill
In the smaller range of ergonomic hand tools, the most common design trait is a curved handle. I've seen this design also called a radial handle. Traditional hand gardening tools force you to strain the angle of your wrist downward as you grip and push the tool into the soil. Ergonomic garden tools have a curved handle that looks like a pistol grip. This allows you to keep your wrist straight and in-line with your forearm. You than can make a much stronger fist and put more weight and strength into the tool without straining the joints or tendons of your wrist.
Another innovative design uses a straight handle shaft, about 12 inches long, that straps securely to your forearm, just below your elbow, and then uses a perpendicular grip handle at the level of your hand that you can grasp. This is a great design for individuals that have some level of disability or suffer from arthritis, because you can make use of the strength of your entire arm, distributing the weight and force throughout, instead of on your wrist and hand. You will also significantly increase the force of work you can exert on the garden tool.
Comfortable and Shock-Resistant Padded Handles and Grips
Another common feature in both hand-sized tools and full length tools is padding. Padding allows you to form a tighter grip, because it is flexible, and it is much more comfortable to use and reduces the chances of blisters. Padded handles also absorb some of the shock or vibrations associated with some of the movements you make with garden tools, which helps to prevent pain and damage to your hands, wrists, and elbows.
For instance, I remember using a flat bar to pull up tile that had very strong adhesive. This is not a gardening example, but one that makes a good point.
I was hammering one end of the flat bar to get under the edges and to separate the adhesive, and using my other hand to hold the bar in place. Well, first, a larger tool would have been the much better choice, and a tool with thick, comfortable padding would have reduced much of the energy traveling into my hands and wrists. I remember feeling like I had sprained my wrist after about one hour's work. This could, and should, have been avoided with the use of a much better ergonomic tool.
Curved and Telescoping Full Length Handles
Two common designs for full length tools are curved handles, and handles that are length-adjustable through telescoping segments. One common design looks like an "S" and it is used on snow shovels and scoop shovels. The "S" shaped handle allows you to lift and push more easily, and it significantly reduces lower back strain.
Telescoping handles allow you to adjust the length for the type of work you are doing or for the height of the user. Again, these help in reducing lower back strain and can also reduce fatigue in your arm muscles.
What to Look For
There are three things to look for when purchasing an ergonomic garden tool: strength, weight, and quality construction.
1. Strength
Both the handle and tool head should be strong. Some manufacturers use a lightweight steel shaft that is coated. Others will use a professional grade fiberglass that is both lightweight and strong. Strength and weight are key to good quality ergonomic garden tools.
2. Weight
As just mentioned, weight is an important factor. There are designs that are both durable and very strong, but also light weight. You do not want to work with a heavy tool. Repetitive movements over a period of time will bring more fatigue and increase chances of injury if you use a heavy tool.
3. Quality Construction
Buying an 89 cent, two liter bottle of off-brand soda may be a good idea, but buying inexpensive, off-brand ergonomic garden tools is usually not. Cheap metals, flimsy tool attachments, weak handles, etc., are factors you need to stay away from. Pay for high quality and life-long warranties, and you will use your tools for years.
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By Dan Fenstemaker, Inventor of the Original INTELETOOL
Black Friday Makita DA391DWD 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit 2011 Deals
Nov 14, 2011 16:29:13
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Black Friday Makita DA391DWD 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit Feature
- 3/8-inch cordless angle drill kit ideal for close-quarter drilling or driving
- Measures only 4-1/2 inches from tip of chuck to widest portion of tool body
- Compact, well balanced and light weight (2.9 pounds) for easy maneuverability
- Includes battery, charger, keyless chuck, and plastic case
- 4-1/2 inches long; 1-year manufacturer's warranty
Black Friday Makita DA391DWD 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit Overview
Includes 9.6V Cordless 3/8-in Angle Drill - DA391DW-R, 9.6 Volt 1.3 Ah Ni-CD Battery 9000 - 6320074, Charger - DC9710, Keyless Chuck - 763083-8, Plastic Tool Case - 182425-A, Operating ManualBlack Friday Makita DA391DWD 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit Specifications
This Makita 3/8-Inch Cordless Angle Drill Kit is ideal for close-quarter drilling or driving, measuring only 4-1/2 inches from the tip of chuck to widest portion of tool body. It features variable speed (0 to 800 rpm) for controlled driving and pinpoint hole positioning, with a maximum tightening torque of 43.4-inch /pounds. It has a conveniently located reversing switch for easy screw removal, a keyless chuck for faster and easier bit installation and removal, and an electric brake to stop the chuck quickly. The kit comes with a 9.6-volt battery, charger, and high-impact case and weighs only 2.9 pounds.What's in the Box
Drill kit, 9.6-volt battery, charger, and high-impact case.
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