Tool Handle Cushions

[aaronc88]

After working with my rogue hoe 70H for a few weeks, and in rocky soils, my hands had begun to ache and cramp up just thinking about taking hold of the handle again.

I was wondering what you use to cushion the handles on some of your tools that has worked. The handle on the Rogue 70H is a 40 inch axe handle.

[cjohnson]

If the handles were cushy you would need to grip the tool harder to contol it, you would loose energy too.

Use thin tacky garden gloves, you won't need to grip so tight. And of course, HTFU.

[hado_pv]

Bar tape

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[cjohnson]

yeah, hockey stick tape is a good idea. If the handle is tacky you can grip it less tightly, hands won't cramp. Note: hockey tape also keeps lights from slipping on handlebars. And of course HTFU.

Bar tape

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[YRG]

Mastic tape is nice

[aaronc88]

If the handles were cushy you would need to grip the tool harder to contol it, you would loose energy too.

Use thin tacky garden gloves, you won't need to grip so tight. And of course, HTFU.

Makes sense to me, hadn't though about that.


Just don't want to be getting carpal tunnel before I turn 30.

[thefriar]

More DH. Your wrists are weak.

[JoeG]

The best grip for wooden tool handles comes from boiled linseed oil IMO. You should be able to get it at any hardware store.

First, you'll need to remove (sand or chemically strip) the varnish or other clear finish from the wooden handle. Then use a rag or paper towel to apply the linseed oil. You don't want a thick coat; it should actually soak into the wood. After allowing it to soak in for a while, wipe off any excess or it will make the handle tacky. Let it dry overnight or maybe for a day or two, depending on temperature and humidity.

On a new handle, it will take several coats to get a good finish. Once done, its easy to maintain; just a light sand or quick once over with a scotchbrite pad and a light coat of oil a couple of times per year, depending on how much use the tool gets. If the handle gets nicked or scraped up, it only takes a minute or two to touch up the damage.