Are there Special Tools/Accessories to help build with arthritis

Hey everyone,
Been more of a ghoster than a poster.

The arthritis in my hands has gotten to the point where I find it difficult to build with any accuracy or for any length of time. So I want to find out if there are any assistive devices that may help. I really don't want to give up on my hobbies.

Specifically, does anyone know of any large handled tools or adapters for existing tools? Large handles are easier for me to hold.

I'm also wondering if anyone has seen or perhaps built a jig to hold LPR/MPR tubes in order to apply fins, launch lugs, etc. Something I could stand the rocket in with guides for the fins and various angle markings.

Next would be some sort of clamping device to hold the rocket tube horizontally for marking, cutting, etc.

Lastly is something to help with spray paint. It's very challenging to press and hold the small nozzle. Any devices to help with that, other than a spray gun?

Thanks for any help with my rather off-beat requests.

Cheers,
James

If you need an X-Acto knife, you can use the larger red plastic handles with slightly larger blades, instead of the #11 handle and blades.

As far as spray paint goes, you can also buy handles that snap onto the cans and give more of a pistol grip to them.

For some of your other ideas, I'd suggest working with locals in your area, to see if someone can't help you build jigs to help you a bit. I'd imagine it shouldn't be too difficult to build something.

-Kevin

A laser cutter is a great tool for those who have problems handling a knife. I have similar issues and can't cut for very long before it becomes too painful. I have considered getting a laser cutter but can't justify the price yet.

For some projects I will use my scroll saw to do the cutting and follow up with the sander. Depending on how bad your hands are this may or may not be the best solution but it is a good bit cheaper than a laser cutter.

Dollar stores will usually have some small knife sets that include three different size handles the big handle is pretty thick. If you can't find one at the dollar store check out harbor freight they carry the same set as well as some more extensive sets at a reasonable price. Of course you can always get xacto products at hobby lobby or michaels.

There have been some very creative jigs and fixutres featured here on TRF. I would do a search of the forum for more info on this.

For spray paints there are some snap on handles available that have a trigger that depresses the nozzle on the can. They are pretty cheap and can be found near the spray paints in most hardware and home stores.

Following up on what Troj said about using a pistol grip when spraying with rattlecans...

I highly recommend this one.

James, I'll bet there's alot of us in the same boat. I haven't been to a launch in at least 2 years. Degenerating disks and worn out knees slowed me down 10 years ago. Then arthitus in my right hand took the fun out of building. Now I can't prep an engine because of my tremors. It's too frustrating and I refuse to ask anyone to do it FOR me. I find no joy in that. So, a few months ago I donated all my low and mid power stuff(filled the trunk, back seat, and front seat) to one of our local high schools. Vice principal's eyes were like silver dollars!!! And I think he may have been drooling. LOL Now THAT made me feel really good! I've kept my high power stuff, and NAR/SEARS memberships just in case. Not sure what my point is, here. Maybe I just needed to tell someone.Thanks for listening.

'Steadymouse' is a nice little free program to buffer the tremors' effect on a computer mouse.

Gary(Goldy)
SEARS572

o1d_dude said:

Following up on what Troj said about using a pistol grip when spraying with rattlecans...

I highly recommend this one.

Click to expand...

I have one of those, I really like using it. Not because I don't have too much control, but because I somehow manage to get paint on my fingertip when I spray it normally :lol:



Braden

JamesInNC said:

Hey everyone,
Been more of a ghoster than a poster.

The arthritis in my hands has gotten to the point where I find it difficult to build with any accuracy or for any length of time.

Cheers,
James

Click to expand...

ggoldy said:

James, I'll bet there's alot of us in the same boat. I haven't been to a launch in at least 2 years. Degenerating disks and worn out knees slowed me down 10 years ago. Then arthitus in my right hand took the fun out of building. ..........



Not sure what my point is, here. Maybe I just needed to tell someone.Thanks for listening.

'Steadymouse' is a nice little free program to buffer the tremors' effect on a computer mouse.

Gary(Goldy)
SEARS572

Click to expand...

I'm not so worried about my hobby as my job - it's getting harder to hold tools, harder to climb in and around machinery and with my failing memory I just may forget how to drive to work - so I may have more free time to work on rockets.

James,

If you're coming to the ROCC launch in 2 weeks, I'll bring a spare Estes fin alignment guide with me. I have a few. In all honesty, I don't find them good, however if its the difference between building an LPR or not, it is definitely a better choice than nothing.

Other thoughts might be to change your building style. Maybe make sure to by rockets that tend to have laser cut fins and TTW mounting. If you partnered that with 5 minute epoxy, it might lower the amount of time you have to fiddle with aligning the fins. Just a thought - if it isn't you're style, feel free to ignore it.

The rattle-can handle seems to have been covered already, so not going to re-hash that.

In the past, I had a wooden handle for an X-acto blade and I liked it more than the red handle. At this point, I don't know where it is, but I think that could be a better thing. I'll try to noodle on it to see if I can remember where it is or what its real intended purpose is.

Hope to see you at the launch. Stop by the S-10 for sure.

Sandy.

James, maybe one of the Arthritus foundations or associations can help with locations for accomodating hand tools. I'm sure alot of guys from the trades succumb to arthritus so either www.arthritus.org or www.arthritus.com might be helpful. I don't have to deal with arthritus (yet) but I have matching problems at C-2,3,4 and L-4,5/L5-S1 which is debilitating enough. Good luck.

It's no fun getting older, but I plan on a cute nurse pushing the wheel chair over to the launch controller so I can watch her push the button. All kidding aside, check out the "Guillotine" alignment jig at Apogee. The wing nuts mite be a prob, but you can take a short tube of comfortable diameter and cut a slot at one end wide enuff to fit both ears and use that to tighten and loosen them or replace them with regular nuts and use a nut driver in your favourite handle. It's a bit pricey but if comes to build or not, it's a good investment you can always get a return on if you bail completely. My farthing's worth. Up in the Air, Junior Birdmen! -Dave-
ps- My right wrist was crushed in an industrial accident a decade ago- I only have 70% so torque multipliers are my friend. I've used multiple layers of diff dia shrink tubing on some of my finer hobby tools and even 'pool noodles' or pipe insulation with duct tape (firms 'em up a bit-use contact glue to secure) over standard handle items only I use. Best wishes and with lots of respect for carrying on-Dave-

Gary and James if building becomes too difficult you may find it rewarding to mentor some of the newer rocketeers. What Im trying to say is that there are many ways that you can be a part of this hobby that you can do with physical limitations. DONT go away your years of expereance are too valuable! Jim

Bazookadale said:

I'm not so worried about my hobby as my job - it's getting harder to hold tools, harder to climb in and around machinery and with my failing memory I just may forget how to drive to work - so I may have more free time to work on rockets.

Click to expand...

DUDE!!!!! You could be ...like...my twin brother! I get to work and I sware I don't remember going through Ft Walton, or over the Destin bridge. But I allways end up where I'm supposed to be

Gary

jis2 said:

Gary and James if building becomes too difficult you may find it rewarding to mentor some of the newer rocketeers. What Im trying to say is that there are many ways that you can be a part of this hobby that you can do with physical limitations. DONT go away your years of expereance are too valuable! Jim

Click to expand...

Amen! - mentor a TARC team

ggoldy said:

DUDE!!!!! You could be ...like...my twin brother! I get to work and I sware I don't remember going through Ft Walton, or over the Destin bridge. But I allways end up where I'm supposed to be

Gary

Click to expand...

One time years ago I was seriously po'd at something that happened at work and on the drive home I realized I was lost in my hometown!- so concerned with work I missed my street and turned 2 blocks later - hard to do in a small town.

JamesInNC said:

Hey everyone,
Been more of a ghoster than a poster.

The arthritis in my hands has gotten to the point where I find it difficult to build with any accuracy or for any length of time. So I want to find out if there are any assistive devices that may help. I really don't want to give up on my hobbies.

Specifically, does anyone know of any large handled tools or adapters for existing tools? Large handles are easier for me to hold.

I'm also wondering if anyone has seen or perhaps built a jig to hold LPR/MPR tubes in order to apply fins, launch lugs, etc. Something I could stand the rocket in with guides for the fins and various angle markings.

Next would be some sort of clamping device to hold the rocket tube horizontally for marking, cutting, etc.

Lastly is something to help with spray paint. It's very challenging to press and hold the small nozzle. Any devices to help with that, other than a spray gun?

Thanks for any help with my rather off-beat requests.

Cheers,
James

Click to expand...

I found these pencil grips on line that may help with your X-acto knife. The site is arthritissupplies.com.

My wife has had arthritic knees for years and is planning on knee replacements at soMe point. She just started acupuncture, it has helped a great deal with the pain. She is moving much better and is kicking herself for not trying it sooner. I hope this helps. Good Luck.

o1d_dude said:

Following up on what Troj said about using a pistol grip when spraying with rattlecans...

I highly recommend this one.

Click to expand...

Duly noted. Have hand problems but not from arthritis.

JamesInNC said:

Thanks for any help with my rather off-beat requests.

Click to expand...

"off beat"?
Hardly.
More like directly relevant and practical.

JamesInNC said:

Hey everyone,
...
The arthritis in my hands has gotten to the point where I find it difficult to build with any accuracy or for any length of time. So I want to find out if there are any assistive devices that may help. I really don't want to give up on my hobbies.
...
Cheers,
James

Click to expand...

James, similar issues here. In addition to the pistol grip for rattle cans, I've found a couple other aids. One, is when trying to hold small parts for sanding, or to apply moderate pressure while gluing, is to use Irwin Handi-Clamps. I use the smallest ones. The pressure applied is variable, so balsa doesn't get crushed. The second is to use sanding sticks to sand small areas, they give me a relatively large surface to hold onto, without needing to squeeze hard (ouch!). They cost a lot more than just wrapping paper around dowels, toothpicks, etc., but they work.

troj said:

If you need an X-Acto knife, you can use the larger red plastic handles with slightly larger blades, instead of the #11 handle and blades.

As far as spray paint goes, you can also buy handles that snap onto the cans and give more of a pistol grip to them.

For some of your other ideas, I'd suggest working with locals in your area, to see if someone can't help you build jigs to help you a bit. I'd imagine it shouldn't be too difficult to build something.

-Kevin

Click to expand...

What troj said about the big x-acto handles and those snap-on handles that turn spray paint cans into guns..... I saw one yesterday at BORG next to the spray paint cans.

I've got arthritis in my lower back, so I sort of know what you are going through.