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Light
relief: Small pistol-grip tools can give better control.
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Some garden
and mobility centres now stock a range of small pistol-grip
garden tools. Barbara uses a range which includes fork, trowel,
weeder, hoe and cultivator. The handles are constructed of a
light but durable plastic, helping to keep down the weight,
and the remainder is of stainless steel, eliminating rust and
reducing soil adhesion. The handles are at about 90 degrees
from the tool-head, allowing the wrist and hand a more comfortable
stress-free position and giving better control and a firmer
grip. An arm support cuff is also available which can be of
significant benefit to anyone with weak hands or wrists. The
cuff fixes into the end of the tool handles and can easily be
changed from one tool to another. When using the support cuff
the forearm gives assistance to hand and wrist. The tools vary
in length from approx. 8.5in 11.5in. The weight of the tools
vary from approx 5.5 oz to approx 8 oz. The support cuff is
about 3.5oz.
Any number
of different tools can be used on the aluminium shaft. |
Home-made
light multi-tool
The tool has an aluminium shaft and the tool-heads are of plastic.
The tool-head on one end is fixed with vinyl parcel tape. The
opposite end of the shaft has a tool which is fixed to a short
piece of aluminium pipe drilled with three holes going through
both sides of the pipe. The drill is 1/4in to take a gutter
bolt this tool is then detachable, and reversible, and it also
allows for a 4" length variation. Three 1/4" holes are drilled
in the relevant end of the shaft for attaching the heads which
are secured by a gutter bolt. Any number of different tool sorts
can be put on and taken off in this way. A hole approximately
in the centre of the shaft allows for a string or cord to be
passed through to make a loop which can be placed over the back
of the hand when using the tool. This helps to keep a hold on
the tool especially when changing ends. The tool is a joy for
anyone to use and is especially helpful to stroke victims. The
detachable tools can be used as short handle tools.
The tool could be designed for a detachable tool at either end
of the shaft. The tools cost me about £3 each to make. The overall
length is 32-36ins with a weight of 8.5oz.
More
about Tony Gipp and Gardening with Disabilities Norfolk>>>
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