Power Tool Paralysis

[TheScullster]

Hi all

Does anyone suffer from adverse effects after using power tools? I used a hedge trimmer for about 1 hour last night and afterwards experienced weakness in my right hand/wrist (I am right handed) for most of the evening. Did not have confidence in my grip to hold a glass with that hand alone. Have noticed similar issues after using drill for any length of time.

I have an office based job so my limbs are subject to long periods without major activity.

Anyone else have similar experiences? Is this an age thing, I am the wrong side of 40.

TIA

Phil

[Andy Hall]

This is possibly a vibration issue. You could try gloves with gel pads as an initial thing.

After that, it's a visit to the quack, I think.

[Guy King]

The message from Andy Hall contains these words:

More likely it's just weakness from holding the tool in the same grip for a long time. Tools like hedge trimmers end up being held for long periods. Things like drills generally get put down every minute or so.

[TMC]

Get to the Docs. Could be a carpal tunnel problem

Tony

[mrcheerful]

I find that the two handed squeeze necessary for modern hedge trimmers is too much, I put a cable tie around one of the squeezers and just switch on and off with the other. This lets me work for far longer at a time.

[Lobster]

I get numb hands very quickly when using an orbital sander...

Hmm. I bought a new hedge trimmer last year and was mightily irritated by its compulsory two-handed action. I was about to do something similar to you, and then a mate - someone well experienced with using power tools - managed to remove one of his fingers using one of these toys.

So I didn't!

[Christian McArdle]

They should, though, reduce the amount of pressure required. I'm sure accidents are caused by the sheer force required, reducing the ability to concentrate or hold the tool correctly.

Also, such two handed operation on some tools that actually gain in safety by you having a spare hand to guide materials is poorly thought out. This probably doesn't apply to hedge trimmers, though.

Christian.

[lairdy]

I would tend to agree. They are poorly designed for continous use, being poorly balanced and requiring constant trigger pressure and tensed muscles to hold and control them. Safety considerations also mean they must be held well away from the body, which doesn't help. You would get quite sore just holding them, even without the vibration. My right hand is quite shaky for an hour or so afterwards.

Occasional use isn't going to lead to the likes of vibration white finger, but if I were a full-time gardener I'd look for better designed equipment, good gloves, and take frequent rests.

[Graham]

I am the wrong side of 50 and used the hedge trimmer for no more than 15 min on Sunday morning My right wrist was weak for about 24 hours when you said "Did not have confidence in my grip to hold a glass with that hand alone", it described my symtoms to a tee.

[.]

ah, feminisation of the male:

it's probably /atrophy/, go to the gym before you go to the doctor.

[dennis]

Do the ends of your fingers go white? There are well known problems caused by vibrations. If you have a problem you may have to get a better hedge trimmer (try the wife).

[Richard]

You mean that you are 39? ;-)

Joking apart consider Reynauds Syndrome and as well as the possibilities mentioned by other posters.

After riding in the MENCAP National Rally this year my right hand felt distinctly 'tingly' for about 36 hours - but then I do ride a bike with the MOST unbalanced design of engine possible - a flat twin!

Richard

[Colin Wilson]

Ohhh yes

Not swung a drill in anger for a good many years, but a hedge trimmer definitely does it (and i`m only doing a 10-12 feet run)

I`m the "good" side of 40, and I suffer from it quite badly.

[TheScullster]

"." wrote

My work is probably one of the last male dominated retreats, engineering design - not a woman in sight (apart from secretaries!)

I swim twice a week 1.1km each session (average speed >2km/hr) - not a complete couch potato.......yet!

Phil

[TheScullster]

"dennis@home" wrote

Yes I have heard of vibration white finger - don't think that occurred. Thought this was more related to serious equipment like road drills and prolongued use.

She helped out with tidying and bagging up fortunately. Managed to do sides and top of 20m hedge and clear away in 1 hour between us - bit of a rough job if truth be told!

Phil

[Guy King]

The message from "TheScullster" contains these words:

As I understand it, the definition of what's now called Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) says "repeated and frequent" use of vibrating power tools. I don't suppose cutting the hedge would count.

[Phil]

No - it's more likely that the forearm muscle is fatigued/full of lactic acid! We see it a lot in rowing when a novice is gripping the oar too hard. Carpal tunnel is an overuse injury we see also - does require overuse (ie/ not 2 hrs in the garden).

Phil.

[Guy King]

The message from "Phil" contains these words:

That sounds a lot more like it. I can't type for a while after using the rowing machine.

[TheScullster]

"Phil" wrote

Thanks Phil

This is starting to make sense. I do tend to experience cramp quite a lot, particularly after swimming. So presumably, the best remedy will be more frequent excercise to keep the muscles toned? Would this lessen the severity of the problems after hedge trimming excercises?

My initial thoughts turned to carpal tunnel, as I suffered with tendonitis a couple of years ago (another DIY injury!). Maybe these two issues are unrelated.

Phil

[The Natural Philosopher]

Drink less coffee and more water, or fruit juices and eat more salt. especially sea salt.

That tends to at least prevent dehydration exacerbated cramps.