hand tools when your old and falling apart

[richy3333]

Hi All.
Hoping for some advice please. I've severe arthritis in the hands (all three ) A large dollop of osteoarthritis but I'm also being investigated for rheumatoid arthritis too (due to swelling in fingers, redness and burning sensations). I have difficulty typing, opening jars - anything a 90 year old could show off and do! I'm principally struggling with screwdrivers. The physio suggested looking for screwdrivers with fat handles as they thought it would alleviate some pain.

My left knee is jiggered, I'm down to bone grinding on bone, I've always worn knee pads, kneeling mats etc.

Are there another suffers out there and if so do you have any tips that might help (short of retiring, which I can't do). Not really looking for sympathy (not get it on here anyhow ) but any tool tips or work arounds etc.

Many thanks.

 

[nicebutdim]

If anyone knows what screwdrivers are out there, it'll be @Dustydazzler

 

[pc1966]

I have seen some "electric screwdrivers" that are designed for terminals, so they have a very limited torque and allow you to speedily drive the terminal closed, etc, but without that damage impact drivers cause.

You can also get some drivers that take 1/4" extensions so a T-bar on top of the screwdriver-like handle could allow hand torque without too much gripping force.

 

[Dustydazzler]

If anyone knows what screwdrivers are out there, it'll be @Dustydazzler

If you are looking for something with a bulky / large round grip look up Vessel Ball Grip

VESSEL Ball Grip Screwdriver No.220 7-piece set JIS Screwdriver 7 items Tools | eBay

Easy to tighten with elastic grip. Blade edge: [[(+)]]3. Blade tip: With magnet. Shaft length (mm): 150. Shaft length: 300mm. â Highly elastic cushion grip fits in the palm of the hand and transmits large force without slipping.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[nicebutdim]

I have seen some "electric screwdrivers" that are designed for terminals, so they have a very limited torque and allow you to speedily drive the terminal closed, etc, but without that damage impact drivers cause.

You can also get some drivers that take 1/4" extensions so a T-bar on top of the screwdriver-like handle could allow hand torque without too much gripping force.

For plate screws etc these would be useful, but not for much else as you need to change driver to tighten anything.

I can't help thinking about the big, dumb looking Klein driver that's popular in the states as it looks as though the grip is very wide - might be just images though, so wouldn't recommend anyone buys it on the basis of my musing.

 

[nicebutdim]

If you are looking for something with a bulky / large round grip look up Vessel Ball Grip

VESSEL Ball Grip Screwdriver No.220 7-piece set JIS Screwdriver 7 items Tools | eBay

Easy to tighten with elastic grip. Blade edge: [[(+)]]3. Blade tip: With magnet. Shaft length (mm): 150. Shaft length: 300mm. â Highly elastic cushion grip fits in the palm of the hand and transmits large force without slipping.

www.ebay.co.uk

Looked at the ratchet version of that on Amazon not two minutes ago and didn't realise there were others available.

 

[pc1966]

Looked at the ratchet version of that on Amazon not two minutes ago and didn't realise there were others available.

I have an old RS ratchet driver (No. 2 pozidrive) and it is probably my most valued screwdriver! These days folks your power tools for most things, but in the olden days this saved a bit off effort and does not remove the finer manual control of a traditional driver.

 

[Dustydazzler]

The old fashion Wiha ProTurn were lovely old Drivers as well with a massive handle grip. Sadly no longer made

 

[pc1966]

This looks potentially a good solution:

05023461001 | Wera Allen Hexagon Ratchet Screwdriver | RS

uk.rs-online.com

 

[pc1966]

Cheaper at Screwfix but next day):

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/wera-416-ra-1-4-hex-ratcheting-t-handle/793fu