12
October
Ergonomic Garden Tools: What’s The Big Deal?
The best new garden tools around are ergonomic, meaning that they are designed to fit the hand comfortably. Designed for comfort, ergonomic garden tools were also designed for specific motions and tasks.
With a design in mind to fit both male and female hands, finger, wrist and grip these tools are excellent for any gardener whether they be novice or pro. The handles with a soft no slip grip are filled with a gel material for extra cushioning to absorb the pressure and reduce the stress on hands when flexing while using.
Gel filled non - slip handles promote cushioning when digging and the stainless steel blades are rust resistant and more durable. Large holes in the handles foe hanging makes for easy storage. The long handled lightweight tools with thick gripping handles help save the knees and hips which makes it appealing to gardeners of all ages.
Most of these ergonomic garden tools have measurement markings for planting and some have serrated edges which are good for cutting roots. And, because they are designed to be larger than the average size garden tool, using these will minimize garden injuries.
Tools that require pushing or pulling, the handles were designed specifically for those tasks, providing the user with more than one grip position, and a handle long enough for use with both hands if needed.
Ergonomic garden tools usually have thick gripped handles which reduce pressure on hands, wrists and shoulders. Ergonomically designed pruning tools are designed for squeezing motions and have non - slip handles for absorbing pressure. While hand shears and garden scissors are made to spring open for less strain on the hands.
When shopping for ergonomic garden tools, look for those with telescopic and pistol grip handles. They require less energy and keep your body in proper alignment. Also, those garden tools with fat, soft handles are much better for gripping, and be sure to look for a depression in the handle for your thumb, as this will keep your hand in proper alignment.
If you have the need to use long handled garden tools, opt for the ones with interchangeable attachments, as they will help you stay in an upright position. If you want to modify the grip on your favorite tool, determine the size of your grip by making a circle of your thumb and index finger, then use foam, baseball or electrical tape or a bicycle handle grip to bind the handles.
Remember to always use gloves when gardening, they protect your hands against scrapes, cuts and also provide additional padding. Use a stool or knee pads when working close to the ground, or plant in raised flower beds, containers or trellises if necessary. Transport heavy objects and tools in a wheel barrow and never rest your weight on one arm or leg while gardening.
Remember, that if you choose the right ergonomically designed garden tool for the job you are doing and always keep your tools sharp, clean and oiled before putting them away, you’ll be sure to reap the rewards of these new wave of tools for gardeners.
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This entry was posted on Friday, October 12th, 2007 at 9:57 pm and is filed under Specialty Garden Tools. Follow the comments through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or leave a trackback.

October 13th, 2007 at 12:27 pm
[...] admin wrote a fantastic post today on “Ergonomic Garden Tools: Whatâ??s The Big Deal?”Here’s ONLY a quick extractMost of these ergonomic garden tools have measurement markings for planting and some have serrated edges which are good for cutting roots. And, because they are designed to be larger than the average size garden tool, using these will … [...]