Enabling hand tools...specific suggestions

I had the luxury in the past with getting by with what ever hand tools I had handy. I now have an long term changes in my dominant wrist. I have lost range of motion and strength in my wrist.

I will need the best and easiest tools to be able to some of the gardening that I love. There are so many kinds of tools out on the market. Instead of buying one of everything. Those of you who are already there what pruners work best? What hand trowels and claws really work? I attached a photo of one kind. Does it really change work load and is it easy to learn to work with? What other hand tools really make the work load less and make it so you can do the tasks you want to do?

Thankfully the rest of my body is still in good health. I just need ideas for tools for my hand.

Thanks in advance,
Epazota

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/710672/
I'm hoping you've read this thread, Epazota. My wheelchair doesn't allow me to get that close to the dirt myself - I'm finding I'm gardening mostly by proxy, or on a table. I'm sorry if this begs your question - I just don't know.
x, Carrie

I am sorry that your gardening is mostly by proxy. At least you can do it on a table. The idea of the Oxo tools would be a start. I tried to search for them briefly. Do you use these tools yourself? Or do you know someone who uses these tools? I would like to learn from someone else's experience vs. just buying things as they look like they may work.

I use them in the kitchen as I have weakness and general uncoordination of my hands, for instance, I have an oxo can opener. Let me find their web site... moment please,,,

http://oxo.com/oxo/about.htm
http://www.ncwgs.com/oxo_tools.php
I haven't used these personally, I use their can opener and their steak knife or pizza cutter. (Absolutely the can opener, the other two look like either OXO or fake oxo. Good luck. x, C

Oxo makes the Good Grips brand it looks like. I like some of the kitchen gadgets. I will have to look into this some more.
Thanks,
Epazota

Also I think somebody in that other thread has tried the tool you pictured - read it and see who it was! Dmail her and tell her I sent you! xx, Carrie

epazota, I've tried two different sets. The one in your picture I believe wraps only part way around the forearm. That one flopped around on me depending on the angle. The other set I liked better had a strap all of the way around, but my arms were too short for them and they didn't fit over my coat, something I need in the spring and fall. If you can, try them at a store that accepts returns. If you have to order, make sure they take returns, too. My wrists are weak, well, my arms are, too.

I have an article coming out in a few days about this topic, I actually spent one whole morning in our local hardware store trying tools and stools. They were very helpful. (not a big box store). Next I'm trying the "gloves" that you can buy for corporal tunnel syndrome that keeps me from flexing my wrist. They are lightweight. Good luck finding exactly what you need, and make sure you share!

Cathy,

Thank you for your insights. They are helpful. It is snowing here now, so I have time to figure this out. I will have to watch for your article. Good luck with the gloves. It will be interesting to see what you think of these gloves that keep you from flexing.
Ep

It ran yesterday, here is the link: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/276/

Great article, Cathy, BTW, I especially appreciated how you avoided the pity party which would have been so tempting for me (at least) to fall into! x, Carrie

Thanks Carrie, I re-wrote several times to get my personal problems out of it. I've been playing with the strap on wrist gloves for corporal tunnel (the ones with the bar in them), I think they may be the solution for my weak and painful wrists. They aren't heavy like the tools that strap on.

do you mean carpal tunnel syndrome?

yes, haha, brain fart.

my brain does that all the time. It has irritable brain syndrome! x, Carrie

bubble bubble bubble, my brain is in trouble.

Great article and information.
Thank you

Thank you epazota!

I'm just roaming around DG tonight and found myself here. I'd like to recommend the Cutco knife ratcheted garden pruners. The ratcheting feature allows for the tool to self adjust for your ability to apply tension. Most times I have little or no disability and other times I need lots of help. These and the kitchen shears are the two products I own from this company and both are priceless. Oxo seems to be the biggest name out there and we have some of their products too.

Laurel

Thanks, Laurel! xx, Carrie

Thanks Laurel. I ordered the OXO jar opener the other day, couldn't open a jar of salsa for salad, so frustrating. Epazota, did you ever find what you need?

handhelpers's Member Page: http://davesgarden.com/members/handhelpers/

The scoop on 'Hand Helpers': http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/3147/

Web Site Store:
http://www.handhelpers.com/

HTH

~* Robin ^_^

Thank you!!!! Hi, Robin. xx, Carrie

I'm a C-6 quad with very limited finger strength. I've found that the Cobrahead Weeder is a truly helpful tool for easily digging out stubborn weeds. The long-handled version extends my reach deep into my flower beds, far past my unaided reach from the limits of my wheelchair. In a pinch, it works well at breaking up clay clods too. Just be careful; it's wickedly sharp.

http://www.cobrahead.com/cobrahead_tools.cfm

Thanks for sharing this info Puddle.

I apoligize. Somehow this thread became unwatched.

I appreciate the comments and suggestions. I can not say I have found the perfect answer yet. PuddlePirate thank you for your comments about the Cobrahead weeder. It sounds interesting. Does this tool cut off the weed towards the surface or are you able to use it to assist to get the weed's root system?

I am under the impression that along with the quest for certain looks and plants in my gardens I will be looking for the perfect tools. I hope over time things are created that make gardening easier for us.

Thank you for your help and interest.
Epazota

The Cobra Head slices through root systems easily, and I also use it to dig out the roots of any weed. It's tough steel, so I even use it to break up clods of clay way back in the flower beds beyond arm's reach.


It's sold in two lengths; a short hand-held version, and a long version with a handle that's as long as a rake's.

Thanks Puddle for the clarification.

I will have to check into this.
Epazota

PuddlePirate, I can't thank you enough for the link you posted about the CobraHead weeder. Pretty much all the rest of me is okay, but I've lost almost all range of motion in my wrists and have minimal strength remaining in my hands. I went to your link, and I saw the magic phrase: "Its blade is a steel fingernail..." GIMME ONE! Thanks, thanks, thanks, and thanks one more time!

Happy to help!