Tool recommendations for people with arthritis
amjas
| Posted in General Discussion on
I would love to see FHB write an article recommending tools for people with hand arthritis. Most of us face this problem eventually. I am looking for a lightweight drill and other hand tools that don’t require a strong grip.
Replies
I’d look into the black makita subcompact line. They are smaller and more lightweight. Bosch also has some very compact and lightweight drills and drivers that run on their very small and lightweight 12v battery platform. The batteries are key to finding a lightweight tool as they can account for a significant portion of overall tool weight.
I agree with the recommendation to evaluate the Makita black sub-compact 18V product line. I have Milwaukee 18V and 12V tools, but I most often reach for the Makita bag that holds a drill/driver, an impact driver, and a small reciprocating saw as they are compact, lightweight, and powerful. Purchased as a kit, which comes we with the three tools, two batteries, a charger, and a bag, is a good value. I actually bought them for my wife because if their lighter weight, and they're a better fit for smaller hands, and possibly easier on arthritic hands.
The 12V Milwaukee product line is excellent too, and I have the drill/driver, impact driver, and jig saw. These are also lighter and easier to hold...
Yes! As I get older and arthritis sets in, I find for instance, that some batteries are much more difficult than others to remove from the tool, the worst being Ryobi - a brand supposedly aimed at DIYers rather than Pros.