Gardening Tools for Seniors with Weak Hands

In this blog post, we'll explore how to choose gardening tools for seniors when you have weak hands, and then we will put Felco 6  pruners to the test

Gardening is a wonderful and fulfilling hobby, but for those who suffer from hand pain, tendonitis, or arthritis, it can be a daunting task. According to the CDC, arthritis increases with increasing age, from 3.6% in adults ages 18–34 to 53.9% in those age 75 and older.

The repetitive movements and gripping required for many gardening tasks can exacerbate discomfort and pain.

As a Physical Therapist and master gardener, I know that with the right selection of garden hand tools, you can enjoy your garden while minimizing strain on your hands and wrists.

When Buying a hand garden tool, Do you know what is important to help prevent or decrease your pain? 

 Here is a full video on YouTube to help guide you when shopping for gardening tools or keep scrolling to read.

Gardening Tool Handle Design

- Look for garden hand tools with handles that have a comfortable, non-slip grip. Soft, cushioned handles can help reduce the pressure on your hands.

- Handles should be designed to accommodate the natural position of your hand to prevent wrist strain. Angled or contoured handles are often better for ergonomics.

- Choose tools with handles that are proportionate to your hand size. Tools that are too large or too small can cause discomfort. According to the Journal of Hand Therapy, the ideal diameter of the handle is around 33mm diameter (1.3 inches) for men and women. 

In general, if you close your fingers to your thumb this would be the ideal diameter for the garden handle needed for optimal grip strength. 

Garden tool Weight

- Lighter tools are generally easier to manage and put less strain on your hand and wrist muscles. Opt for lightweight materials like aluminum or fiberglass.

- Consider tools with adjustable weight, such as tools with detachable heads or multiple interchangeable heads, so you can customize the weight to your preference.

Garden tool Grip of Handle

- Garden tools with adjustable or interchangeable grips are beneficial. These allow you to find the perfect fit for your hand, reducing the risk of strain.

- Look for textured or rubberized grips to improve grip and reduce the force needed to hold the tool.

Joint-Friendly Features of the garden tool

- Tools with a spring-loaded mechanism or ratchet system can reduce the force required to make cuts or dig into the soil.

- Choose tools with a locking mechanism to secure them in place during use, preventing accidental hand movements and reducing strain.

 Length and Reach of the gardening tool

- Long-handled tools can help you avoid bending or stooping, which can be challenging if you have hand pain or arthritis.

- Adjustable handle length can be especially helpful for customizing the tool to your body.

See what gardening hand tools I use on my Amazon Store here

I have written an article on The Best Garden Pruners for Arthritic Hands or you can watch my  YouTube video below.

Links to garden hand tools in video:

Felco F-2 pruners

Buy Felco hand Pruners on Amazon

Fiskars forges bypass

Buy Fiskar Pruners on Amazon

Corona Hand Pruners

Buy Corona Pruners on Amazon

Fiskars snips

Buy Fiskar Snip Pruners on Amazon

I use Felco Hand Pruners when I garden. Here is my Felco Pruner Review:

Felco is a renowned brand in the gardening world, known for its high-quality hand pruners. Their pruners are celebrated for their ergonomic design, making them a popular choice for gardeners with hand pain, tendonitis, or arthritis.

Pro and Cons of Felco hand pruners:

PROS: 

1. Handle Design

- Felco pruners feature lightweight, aluminum handles with a comfortable, non-slip rubber coating. Non slip rubberized handles are known to improve grip strength up to 50%, according to Academia.edu

- The handles are angled and contoured to reduce wrist strain and promote a natural hand position.

2. Weight:

- Felco pruners are relatively lightweight, making them easy to use for extended periods without excessive hand and wrist fatigue.

3. Grip Size:

- The pruners offer adjustable hand grips and different sized pruners, allowing you to find the most comfortable fit for your hand.

4. Joint-Friendly Features:

- Felco pruners come equipped with a spring mechanism that reduces the effort required to make cuts.

- They also feature a secure locking mechanism for added safety and control during use.

5. Cutting

-Felco pruners are a bipass cutting mechanism, which is more precise than anvil pruners

Cons:

1. Length and Reach:

- Felco pruners are available in various sizes, but they do not have a long reach like a general long handled branch lopper.

2. Cost: 

-these may cost a ilttle more than other brands but they generally last longer and their blades can be changed. I have had mine for 15 years now and have not changed the blade yet, but I do sharpen and clean the blades every year. 

Here are the different Models to choose from: 

 Felco Hand Pruners

Buy on Amazon

Gardening can be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity, even if you have hand pain, tendonitis, or arthritis. Selecting ergonomically correct garden hand tools, like Felco hand pruners, can significantly enhance your gardening experience while minimizing discomfort and strain. When choosing tools, prioritize handle design, weight, grip size, joint-friendly features, and length to ensure they cater to your specific needs and conditions. With the right tools in hand, you can continue nurturing your garden with ease and pleasure.

More Garden Tools Reviews and Tips

How to Sharpen and Maintain Hand Pruners

7 Best Gardening Tools

Cordless Leaf Blower Review

The Best Hand Pruners for Arthritic Hands: A Review