Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Worst Gardening Tools For The Elderly , Etc

jiyanabatanjiyanabatan Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hello everyone! ;) 
I'm a product and graphic design student in Birmingham. I am currently working on a project to enhance  the gardening experience for the elderly and disabled .... anyways I will cut to the chase. Out of all the tools you use, which one is the worst to use and why? (If so can you proved the name of the product and other specific information) .Is one of your tools painful to use or not working as it should be designed to?.Does using any of your tools have an after affect on you , such as muscle ache , etc? 

If anyone can respond it will be much appreciated as this contributes to my final project.
«13456

Posts

  • LauraRoslinLauraRoslin Posts: 496
    I often have problems with the lock on secateurs.   Have a couple that I can't even undo, never mind use.  I shall have to find them tomorrow.
    I wish I was a glow worm
    A glow worm's never glum
    Cos how can you be grumpy
    When the sun shines out your bum!
  • PurplerainPurplerain Posts: 1,053
    Hazel 1 said:
    I reckon by the time you are " elderly" you have worked out for yourself what tools you can use and which tools you can't! 
    I agree with this.
    SW Scotland
  • purplerallimpurplerallim Posts: 5,287
    Must admit secateurs are a problem weight wise and locking, especially for those with small hands. Also garden tools that need gripping for any length of time, the small handles and shape give me cramps and pain which shortens the time each day I can work. Hope this helps @jiyanabatan. 
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I get irritated with regular plastic compost bins as they are high to be able to turn the contents easily. Some of us don't have space for heaps. Even using a step, turning a high bin is still a PITA.  Normal black plastic rubbish bins are very much easier because they are smaller.
  • tessagardenbarmytessagardenbarmy Posts: 346
    I find light weight tools helpful already and I'm 67 (not elderly yet!)
    Agree secateurs are the most problematic for me again it's gripping for a long period which can cause my fingers to lock (I have Dupertrons  Contracture). Find lawn edging tools awkward and can't  use a strimmer because of the effect of the vibration. 
    With digging tools like spade and forks as long as you try them out for height and weight  before purchasing then they're  less of a problem also you can learn good technique  like Alexander  Technique which prevents  back pain. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Secateurs with handles that open too wide.
    Spades and forks with handles that are too long.
    Anything with a handle/handles that are too thick/bulky.
    Anything that claims to be ergonomic or has indents where your fingers are meant to go will usually be really uncomfortable to use.
    Power tools that you have to keep pressure on the switch.

    PS I'm not elderly yet (not quite 52) but I'm on the short side with small hands and a bit of arthritis.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • LauraRoslinLauraRoslin Posts: 496
    Yeah, I agree with the trigger switch on power tools.  That can put a lot of pressure on your fingers.  Would prefer an on-off button.
    I wish I was a glow worm
    A glow worm's never glum
    Cos how can you be grumpy
    When the sun shines out your bum!
  • tessagardenbarmytessagardenbarmy Posts: 346
    Similar problem with any trigger  switch which you have to hold to get the tool to work. Had one of those feeders for plant food attached to hosepipe and you had to keep trigger constantly depressed. A sliding mechanism to lock it into an on position would help
  • Jules41Jules41 Posts: 178
    Anything that doesn't have a long handle! I'm not able to bend at all so I need to do everything standing up. 
  • Bagpuss57Bagpuss57 Posts: 256
    I am definitely not elderly but have a disability which causes extreme tiredness and weakness. I have real issues with the weight of all heavy tools like fork, spade, and power tools which are extremely heavy so need others to do jobs for me. Also I have a real annoyance at hose pipes being so heavy and bulky and if I could afford it I would get a hose that retracts with a click but I am stuck with a awful long heavy hose or lugging heavy cans! If I do try to do jobs with these heavy tools I find I get rebound symptoms often the following day with exhaustion and pain in muscles and joints. Anything that can be made lighter but still maintain the strenth without breaking with first use would be great but I haven't found any yet! 
Sign In or Register to comment.