A Little Tool For Sore Arthritic Hands

Hi - My name is Bob. I'm a tool addict.
Having arrived at the Geezer Stage of life (some time ago), I have found certain tools to be just awful to use, for instance, a traditional "L" shaped allen wrench, particularly large ones. So one day as I was cussing the 5/16" socket head screws on my grinder, I thought of a better way to use the allen wrench for light adjustments- and then apply sufficient force to hold the screw. I was going to buy a standard "T" handled wrench - that works good for light tension, but still clumsy and not too effective for really getting an allen screw tight. I have a large assortment of 3/8" socket allen wrenches for ratchet handles, but they are just too flumbly to mess with in certain places.
So, here's what I've found to be a good solution for sore/aging hands

Quickly tightening a screw in this position - kinda like an allen wrench screw driver

Then flip it to put some umpf on the screw to get it really tight

What makes this tool adapter help with sore joints is the knurled 1 1/4" dia aluminum handle. It fits comfortably in my hands in both positions and, it's quick, easy and effective.
I must confess to being a tool addict, particularly tools I make - my wife has tried to get me on a 12 step recovery program, but it didn't work, she's given up.
Now, back to making knives...

That is outstanding , Bob. Now, I need.....

That's really nice! It sure beats a hammer.

very nice simple solution!

Oh man - nice! That's genius right there!

Yup That's exactly what I need. After a heart attack, arthritis in both hands..my grip strength is lacking, and am beginning to doubt my immortality. That's a great solution, patent that sucker!

OK, for a dummy like me, where did you get it? OR, did you make it from an aluminum rod? I like it.

KenH said:

OK, for a dummy like me, where did you get it? OR, did you make it from an aluminum rod? I like it.

Click to expand...

I made it on my lathe from a piece of aluminum round stock, a relatively simple job.
Regarding MarcWeitz's comment about patenting it - I learned long ago that happiness in my life was directly proportional to the distance I kept away from attorneys (hoping to not offend any knife making lawyers in the audience). Patents are all about paying lawyers for legal protection; first getting the patent and then defending infringement.. Of the many things I've "invented" none rise to the level of suffering through the legal hassle. I much prefer just making stuff and sharing the idea.

I thought it might be "custom made" by yourself. I get almost as much enjoyment from making tools as I do making knives. I ENJOY my little 10X22 lathe

Lathe's are fun to have in a shop. The one I have was inherited from my father, it's a 1950's 9" Logan belt drive, with a VFD. I learned how to run it as a teenager in his machine shop.

Thank you Bob for this tool. I had hand surgery at the end of October and I still can't make a hard fist. (If anybody wants to start a fight - nows their chance...) I can't grip some tools - especially those that need leverage - this "wrench grip" makes it all possible. I have to marvel how something so simple can make things so workable...Thanks again!

Marc: My pleasure to make this for you. Call it paying forward with a random act of kindness..
Bob

Nice idea, Bob.