Gardening and Horticulture - Digging Pain
Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.View Full Version : Digging Pain
Morven
03-07-02, 03:04 PM
I put my back out a few years ago and I no longer feel comfortable or confident digging. Does anybody know of a spade that could help me? , or does anyone have similar difficulties and have a home made solution? Thank You
howiek
03-07-02, 03:14 PM
Hello Morven
Depending on what type of digging you intend to be doing, there might be some tools that would make your task a little easier. If you are interested in something to turn the soil in your garden, there is a tool called a Broad fork ot U-bar digger. It is exactly what the name implies - a two handled fork that you push into the ground by standing on, then you use your weight to lean back and turn the soil. I've got one and it works great in a vegetable garden or other open area. Here's a link with a picture, etc (this link is for Lee Valley Tools, but I'm sure there are other suppliers around):
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.asp?page=40769&SID=&ccurrency=2&category=2%2C42578
You can click on the U-bar digger picture for a better description
If you are looking for something to be digging holes with, maybe others have suggestions.
Howie
Depending on what type of digging you intend to be doing, there might be some tools that would make your task a little easier. If you are interested in something to turn the soil in your garden, there is a tool called a Broad fork ot U-bar digger. It is exactly what the name implies - a two handled fork that you push into the ground by standing on, then you use your weight to lean back and turn the soil. I've got one and it works great in a vegetable garden or other open area. Here's a link with a picture, etc (this link is for Lee Valley Tools, but I'm sure there are other suppliers around):
http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.asp?page=40769&SID=&ccurrency=2&category=2%2C42578
You can click on the U-bar digger picture for a better description
If you are looking for something to be digging holes with, maybe others have suggestions.
Howie
Basco
03-10-02, 08:48 AM
Hi Morven,
I also have physical probs which make gardening difficult, so did an exhaustive search and found a few good ergonomic gardening tools - or enhancements to use with my current tools. You may also find these helpful.
I just ordered several items, but have not yet received them. I could not find any store who carried them (or other ergonomic aids) locally, and called dozens and dozens of hardware stores, garden centers, nurseries, home health care suppliers, specialty drug stores, etc. So if you want to save time, just order them online or over the phone.
Gardenscape Enabling Tools
http://www.gardenscapetools.com/pages/enablingtools.htm
My favorites on that site:
Add-On Handles to use with my shovel, rake, hoe, etc. "Add-on handles ergonomically designed to increase lifting and pushing power and leverage while decreasing back and wrist strain."
Earth Bud-Eze hand tools. "Ergonomically designed, to maximize strength and minimize strain, for gardeners with chronic joint and muscle affective syndromes (carpal tunnel, arthritis) or motion reducing injuries".
The kneeler bench is also nice, but can be purchased for less at local sources.
Lifease Ergonomic Garden Tools
http://www.lifewithease.com/garden.html
Favorites on that site:
Backsaving Handle. "This portable ergonomic handle attaches to virtually any long-handled tool to turn it into a back-saving ergonomic tool. Designed by an orthopedic engineer, this light-weight aluminum handle easily attaches with stainless steel clamps. It greatly reduces the need to stoop over, while it improves lateral control over the tool."
Circlehoe. "No bending as you use the dull back of the hoe to reach under & lift plant leaves to get at the weeds. Ideal for older and physically challenged gardeners". An easier to use, more effective hoe.
EsyLifter
http://www.ezylifter.com/
"When the Ezylifter is fitted to your shovel, the need to bend over and reach down to lift the load is virtually eliminated."
I agree with HowieK about the U-bar digger - an excellent tool and easy way to dig. I also use a potato fork a lot. You might also consider replacing heaving shovels and hoes with ultra lightweight versions.
I also bought a Garden Claw (http://www.gardenclaw.com/) at Home Depot last year and used it a lot. Didn't think it would actually be so helpful. It may not be good for back probs, tho.
Also am looking for a garden cart to replace my wheelbarrow. There are some garden carts that support the weight on wheels more in the middle, and are easier to maneuver. Or just use a little red wagon.
:D Hope that helps.
I also have physical probs which make gardening difficult, so did an exhaustive search and found a few good ergonomic gardening tools - or enhancements to use with my current tools. You may also find these helpful.
I just ordered several items, but have not yet received them. I could not find any store who carried them (or other ergonomic aids) locally, and called dozens and dozens of hardware stores, garden centers, nurseries, home health care suppliers, specialty drug stores, etc. So if you want to save time, just order them online or over the phone.
Gardenscape Enabling Tools
http://www.gardenscapetools.com/pages/enablingtools.htm
My favorites on that site:
Add-On Handles to use with my shovel, rake, hoe, etc. "Add-on handles ergonomically designed to increase lifting and pushing power and leverage while decreasing back and wrist strain."
Earth Bud-Eze hand tools. "Ergonomically designed, to maximize strength and minimize strain, for gardeners with chronic joint and muscle affective syndromes (carpal tunnel, arthritis) or motion reducing injuries".
The kneeler bench is also nice, but can be purchased for less at local sources.
Lifease Ergonomic Garden Tools
http://www.lifewithease.com/garden.html
Favorites on that site:
Backsaving Handle. "This portable ergonomic handle attaches to virtually any long-handled tool to turn it into a back-saving ergonomic tool. Designed by an orthopedic engineer, this light-weight aluminum handle easily attaches with stainless steel clamps. It greatly reduces the need to stoop over, while it improves lateral control over the tool."
Circlehoe. "No bending as you use the dull back of the hoe to reach under & lift plant leaves to get at the weeds. Ideal for older and physically challenged gardeners". An easier to use, more effective hoe.
EsyLifter
http://www.ezylifter.com/
"When the Ezylifter is fitted to your shovel, the need to bend over and reach down to lift the load is virtually eliminated."
I agree with HowieK about the U-bar digger - an excellent tool and easy way to dig. I also use a potato fork a lot. You might also consider replacing heaving shovels and hoes with ultra lightweight versions.
I also bought a Garden Claw (http://www.gardenclaw.com/) at Home Depot last year and used it a lot. Didn't think it would actually be so helpful. It may not be good for back probs, tho.
Also am looking for a garden cart to replace my wheelbarrow. There are some garden carts that support the weight on wheels more in the middle, and are easier to maneuver. Or just use a little red wagon.
:D Hope that helps.