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Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands! #

Posted by Paul Howd on October 30, 2012, 6:59 pm

Year of Manufacture *: 1960
( Optional ) Engine Code or CC: !

Recently been getting some discomfort in my hands. Had x-rays which has confirmed deterioration (Osteo-Arthritis) in the joint at the base of my thumbs. (And it has got a lot worse with the cold weather!)

I am trying to think of ways of reducing the stress put on these joints by working. I dont really want to give up work just yet (Though it was the GP's suggestion)

I am looking at the possibility of using power tools a bit more (Ratchets, Impact wrenches etc) but owing to power limitations I do not have access to compressed air.

I note that the likes of Snap-On do a range of cordless ratchets and impact drivers.

1) Does anybody have any experiance with these? Do they actually work/help?

2) Any other suggestions?

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Peter Warman <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=PeterWarman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 30, 2012, 7:19 pm, in reply to "Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Peter Warman - Administrator

Hi Paul

I use the Snapon battery powered impact guns, they are not cheap but they do come with two batteries so you can have one on charge all the time, usually one battery charge will last all week

The reason I changed was because I do not like the brake dust that the airline ones kick up. I have the smaller 3/8 drive one as well

As I say they are a bit expensive but personally I think they are worth the investment

http://www.motherofallcordlessimpactwrenches.com/

Peter

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by David Davies <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5218' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 30, 2012, 8:45 pm, in reply to "Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
David Davies

In addition to what Peter said,may I add a less costly suggestion-thermal gloves.Visit a hiking/mountaineering shop to try the really practical lightweight ones.

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Paul Howd <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5151' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 30, 2012, 8:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Paul Howd

Re the "Showdown"

It is sort of Rattler Vs Alecto!

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Paul Howd <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5151' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 30, 2012, 10:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Paul Howd

Thanks, I am already trying the gloves stratagy. Strauss do a rather good glove that is nicely padded round the ball of the thumb (where the problem is) and finger tip free on thumb and first two fingers.

Something like that that is also heated would be the DB's!

But at this point it is all about damage controll! There is no cure or treatment! I am just trying to think of ways of slowing down the rate at which the damage is taking place

(And in the mean time perhaps trying to think of another way of making a living. I suspect my spannering days may well be coming to a close, espcially in the colder weather!)

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Matt Booth <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3028' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 30, 2012, 10:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Matthew Booth

If you haven't got one already I would highly recommend the snap on 1/4" battery screwdriver (looks like a little gun). It saves loads of time when you have lots of screws/nuts/bolts to undo and you can also get a chuck for drill bits.

One of the best tools I've bought.

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Pete Mutlow <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT1569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 31, 2012, 12:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Peter Mutlow

Hi Paul,

Have you considered an Osteopath? He wont cure it, but may ease the problem. Speaking from experience when my GP said nothing could be done about my crippling back problem.

Regards

Pete M

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Andy Mason <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT2936' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 31, 2012, 1:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Andy Mason

As a fellow arthritus sufferer, stay away from impact tools, they will only make the problem worse.
If you had it in your knees you would'nt take up running.
The best way is do it slowly with little impact and avoid spanner rash etc. There is'nt an easy answer, I do very little mechanical work these days that doesnt hurt.
Sorry there isnt an easy answer , but preseve what you have.
Andy

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by John Kennard <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5582' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 31, 2012, 2:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
John Kennard

Hi I know you will have a laugh, but my father was a terrible sufferer with arthritis & about 10 years ago felt what I believed to be the onset with aches & pains. I went on a regime of a desert spoon of extra virgin olive oil every morning with breakfast and haven’t looked back, more palatable than Castrol GTX.
John Kennard.

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Jim Power <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=ukat3202' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on October 31, 2012, 3:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
James Power

As Andy said be careful about impact tools. Nothing too heavy duty.

Theres a condition known as "white knuckle" which is a direct result of using impact tools.
Mostly suffered by construction workers using jackhammers, vibrating pokers etc.

Gloves and the oil are good suggestions, remember all that codliver oil you loved when you were a youngster.

jim power

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Steve Nicholas <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5547' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 2, 2012, 11:31 am, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Stephen Nicholas

Hi Paul

I had issues with joints some years ago and started taking Glucosamine & Chondroitin capsules daily.

I have had very few joint pains since and although this may not cure your problem it may provide relief and slow the process down.

They may also take a few weeks, or even more, before you begin to notice any effect but they are relatively cheap from supermarkets, Wilko etc; don't pay a fortune from the boutique health sources!

These are natural products which we synthesize less of as we age - apparently - and they are an integral part of the body's joint maintenance system.

Good luck!

Steve

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands! #

Posted by Andy Mason <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT2936' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 5, 2012, 1:35 pm, in reply to "Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands! #"
Andy Mason

Unfortunatlely it doe'nt look like this ones going to get a *FIXED* anytime soon.
It does appear to be a bit of a mechanics curse.
Andy

Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!

Posted by Andy Watkins <iframe src='https://members4.boardhost.com/ukautotalk/info/user=UKAT5346' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 5, 2012, 7:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Human Male (Standard Issue)- Bad Hands!"
Andrew Watkins

I had the same problems and would recommend the Glucosamine tablets sold by Natures best online.
The one I use is Glucosamine Gold, heavy dose to start with three tab's a day and then back off to a steady cruise on two a day.

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