Bad Hands, Need Help

[Done That]

I'm 55. Really struggling with my hands, have had three trigger finger surgeries on one hand and another coming up on the other. Using a drill to drive deck screws, a bit of hammering, tightening lug nuts...I pay for it for days where I can barely make a half fist.

Anyway, looking for some input on a basic framing/rip hammer that might help first. Have used a leather Estwing forever that I love but wondering if anyone has any recomendations on a cushin grip or anti-vibration type that might help?

Any other tips like different gloves etc, I'm all ears and appreciate the guidance.

In the process of finishing out a pole barn that I had built this summer, got a lot to do still .

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Sorry for your issues. Sounds awful!

Curious if you've considered using a nailgun for the majority of this. When I am around construction these days, it seems as if no one is swinging a hammer anymore to drive nails. Even the Amish that built my garage did it with nail guns (at least 95%).

Sorry I can't give you advice on hammers.

Phil

 

[Codejack]

I use a Stanley Fatmax anti-vibe hammer.

I've had it for years, working construction/demolition, electrical, and I've used it as a hammer/pry bar for auto work.

I have exactly zero complaints.

 

[JimNC]

Sorry, can’t help with hammer suggestions other than to say that I think the leather handled east wing hammer has a steel tang so may be your worst option. Wood won’t last as long, but it’ll be a lot easier on your hands.

If you haven’t gotten specific physical therapy for your hands look into it, it’s a area of specialization.

 

[Done That]

If you haven’t gotten specific physical therapy for your hands look into it, it’s a area of specialization.

Thanks Jim. Yes, have had quite a bit of PT and still do many streches and hand specific exercises to help, also cortisone shots and more. Just got dealt a bad hand (sorry).....

 

[lakeroadster]

I worked with a fella that wrapped his hammer with Pro Grip Hockey Tape. Wonder if that might help ya? I'm thinking a wood or fiberglass handle is a better choice also.

I have a touch of what you are describing... and man it *****.

Are you on Statins (Liptor) by chance? It strips the CoQ10 from your body.. your body generates CoQ10 and it helps lubricates joints. I quit taking statins for that very reason. Might be worth talking to your doctor about... or reading up on. Doctors love to push the pharmaceuticals... and they all have side effects.

Also, Hyaluronic Acid capsules are a good supplement to take for joint health too.

Hope that helps... good luck to you.

 

[zendriver]

I suggest substituting nails with screws whenever possible, driven with 1/4 inch impact driver.

Use the Square Drive bit screws, that don't require as much downward pressure when driving.


The 60's rock lyrics " I hope I die, before I get old!" Does not seem to be coming to fruition!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zendriver]

Dupe post

 

[Done That]

Also, Hyaluronic Acid capsules are a good supplement to take for joint health too.

No statins...do take a bunch of fish oil, will look into this.

Have had Crohn's since I was 27, and my body seems to be an auto-immune disease factory. Oh well, boo hoo, not stopping doing what I like....just gotta do it smarter.

Appreciate the tips and ideas all!

 

[rockwithjason]

the anti vibe hammers do help. I have several and prefer them to the others I have

 

[lakeroadster]

Pneumatic nailer? Never pass up a good excuse to buy a new tool

 

[Strouty]

I had issues with my hands a while back, for me it was a nerve issue that was due to overworking things. I ended up using lighter tools with good grips, I was using much more pressure than I needed, because I could not feel my fingers. I had to have surgery but to my forearms to get the issue resolved. I still have troubles when I do certain things hammering is one that bugs me. They do make some good gloves that offer cushion, but it may be more about the amount of pressure you are exerting.

 

[derosa]

Look into leather palm cycling gloves, good ones which aren't cheap are designed to keep your hands from going numb due to road vibrations and bumps for hours at a time while ensuring your hands stay cooler and don't lose their grip. They do well for swinging things like hammers.

 

[ssdave]

My hands have been hurting similarly and I'm building a house. One of the things I find is the amount you grip because of the handle configuration makes a huge difference. The odd shaped hammers that have more of an axe style handle change the angle and don't require you to grip the same way. You might try a few of the different shaped head angles and handles to see if one feels better than the others.

 

[Warrenator]

I would look into a pair of younger hands. You know how to do a lot of things, perhaps you could find a teenager who would like to learn basic building skills and earn a wage. Win win for both of you.

I have a pneumatic palm nailer, works good. The guys who built our pole barn used a big pneumatic nail gun and didn't seem to need a regular hammer much.

 

[Skiff Builder]

I used the blue handled Estwings (22/28oz) for years doing post and beam bldgs. Developed the following technique in order to reduce shock.

Just before impact with the nail , release all pressure from your middle,ring and pinky fingers, on the handle while at the same time pivoting your wrist down towards the pinky.. At that point you are basically pinching the hammer between thumb and fore finger. It actually helps the head of hammer accelerate as it slightly pivots downward just before impact. At the strike you have a fairly loose grip on the tool.
Thousands of nails a day. This helped my hand /forearm/elbow.
Obviously doesnt work so much when hammering over heads, but great on downward or out in front shots.
I felt less wear and tear using the heavier tools. Good luck ,hope you find some relief!

 

[JohnDeere1]

I use a Stanley Fatmax anti-vibe hammer.

I've had it for years, working construction/demolition, electrical, and I've used it as a hammer/pry bar for auto work.

I have exactly zero complaints.

This^^^& the soft grip estwing with blue grips i have 2 of those i have the 16ozand the bigger framing hammer I bought them used for a buck a piece but have used estwings for years the blue grip feels better than the leather grips. The Stanley hammers as well as bostitch are the same design as Mac and proto and I love the framing hammer I have equally to the estwings Ialso have a few Mac ball piens that are great and i like them more than my snap on hammers.

Have you considered a nail gun it will be your best option the gas pesodle or however you say it are nice my MIL has 2 I've used quite often but I you have an air compressor an air powered is nice as well and will save your hands tremendously I'd be looking into th I option pawn shops are full of these.

 

[Done That]

Lots of great ideas and suggestions guys...much appreciated!

 

[Michael_in_DE]

I'm looking into these for a lot of my tools, they look pretty good.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LRUGDM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Other folks have given good advice on tools and gloves. I have some problems with arthritis and the effects of injuries from my younger days, and I found that hot paraffin is a wonderful pain reliever for me. YMMV, but it lets me work 2 days in a row doing things like hammering, wrenching or digging. You can find instructions on WebMD https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/tc/paraffin-wax-for-osteoarthritis-topic-overview.

There are studies showing longer term benefits, but it just flat feels good when I hurt.

 

[jakemac]

Can't help with hammering, but as far as the drill is concerned, have you thought about possibly using a plug-in foot switch ? You could tape the trigger down and use a variable foot switch to run the drill.

 

[woody 73]

I love hammers I even lost count after 150 ; I too suffer from very bad arthritis and now the best thing I find is the nail gun at least for me.

I wonder maybe I should start a nail gun collection?

 

[Flatheadpopup]

I'm going to be watching this thread. I have developed really bad arthritis in my thumb joints at the ripe old age of 48. It really ***** as I enjoy working on my cars. So far my fix has been to invest in tools with longer and or more ergonomic handles to better my leverage since I am losing a lot of hand strength--the pain is a whole nother matter.

 

[Done That]

- Ordered a Stanley FatMax 16 oz anti-vibe hammer with an axe handle kind of design.
- Grabbed a new pair of gloves with some better shock pads in the palm area.
- Ordered some new HF screwdrivers with soft grip handles.
- Got a pair of gloves to start wearing in the gym for weights.
- Got an appointment with the Rheumatologist next week to see what's new in treatments.

I'll update how any of this seems to help just in case anyone else is interested....

 

[Codejack]

- Got an appointment with the Rheumatologist next week to see what's new in treatments.

BE CAREFUL!

I have a friend who got all messed up from some new RA medicine; wound up with 2nd degree burns over 60% of her body.

There are some weird side effects to some of the new drugs coming out.

Good luck, and best wishes.

 

[MikeF2316]

I started banging nails into scrap wood when I was very young, probably 5 or 6. When you're that small and using a full size hammer, you have to grip it with all your might. I find to this day I hold a hammer too tightly, I have to consciously relax my grip or my hand gets sore. Rubber handles would help you, as they require less grip pressure.

 

[zktk01]

Might try a titanium hammer pretty pricey but alot lighter and better on joints

Here is a video if you want to check them out

 

[kwschumm]

I had two trigger finger surgeries done. It took a year or more for the soreness and pain to stop and PT was necessary to get range of motion back. After moving to another state another finger started triggering. I went to a new orthopedic surgeon who told me that he always does cortisone shots first because more than half the time the shot fixes it and the triggering doesn't come back. I was skeptical but said go ahead, he did the shot, after 7-10 days the triggering stopped and the pain was gone. A year later it is still fine.

So, I don't know if you have had cortisone shots in the finger but, if not, I'd recommend them next time if you have an orthopedic doc who knows how to give them in the finger. It's sort of a funny experience, the burn starts slow and travels all the way up the finger.

 

[Olafur]

I'm 55. Really struggling with my hands, have had three trigger finger surgeries on one hand and another coming up on the other. Using a drill to drive deck screws, a bit of hammering, tightening lug nuts...I pay for it for days where I can barely make a half fist.

Anyway, looking for some input on a basic framing/rip hammer that might help first. Have used a leather Estwing forever that I love but wondering if anyone has any recomendations on a cushin grip or anti-vibration type that might help?

Any other tips like different gloves etc, I'm all ears and appreciate the guidance.

In the process of finishing out a pole barn that I had built this summer, got a lot to do still .

If you have plenty of nails to drive here is an idea for you.
Atlas Copco RRH03 rivet gun.

This magnificent rivet hammer is designed and made in Sweden and since they are all for ergonomics they built in a floating barrel so it's recoilless. Meaning you hold the tool and watch it hammer something into oblivion without feeling a thing in your hands.

Since it's designed as a top dog riveting hammer for the airplane industry it has fantastic trigger control so you can literally gently squeeze the trigger and get one blow at a time. Squeeze a bit more and gently ramp up the power. At full blast it put out enough energy to flatten 3/16 steel rivets in seconds. (or drive nails faster than large crew of Amish guys)

It's easy to drive nails with it - I have tried.

Strange solution to drive framing nails but in your situation - why not. Search Ebay they can be had for fraction of new price there in pristine condition and they will last several barns. Oil them every now and then and they will last generations.

Yes - it's rated for capable air compressor - but to drive nails you can get away with something small and ugly. 1 hp would do fine.

 

[Olafur]

Pneumatic nailer? Never pass up a good excuse to buy a new tool

or this!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Another old-timer friend works on Habitat house a couple days a week. He swears by his new titanium hammer.