From: This Old House

What's new in tools and home products from the editors at TOH magazine

Good for your aching back.
April 10, 2009

Every spring I thatch (or do I de-thatch?) the lawn by raking out all of last season's dead grass that my father told me would inhibit the growth of new blades. When I finish de-thatching I go inside with an aching back and complain to my family about lawns in general, but none of them care because they are younger than I am and their spines are still supple and pliant. In anticipation of this spring's De-ThatchFest 2009, I bought a Back Saver Grip that attaches to handle of my rake (or hoe or shovel or snowshovel). As you can see from the photos above, I like to cross dress when I de-thatch my lawn. You can also see how the Back Saver Grip allows me to stand more upright when I rake, saving me from back pain, which is especially helpful if, that evening, my wife and I go out for dinner and I decide to wear heals.

Posted by Jefferson Kolle | Categories: Yard & Garden | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Old House

BOBVILA.COM

Ergonomic Shoveling

The BackSaver Grip attachment lets you stand straighter while shoveling.

Ergonomic Shoveling

For as long as I can remember, I've known there's no better way to throw out your back than to shovel snow or dig a trench. But digging a hole wouldn't be half as bad if it wasn't so awkward. Leaning over puts all the pressure on the back. Now the BackSaver Grip comes along and makes me wonder why it wasn't invented 10 years ago. This patented ergonomic grip allows users to stand straighter while shoveling, putting more pressure on the arms and legs and reducing pressure on the back. In fact, a study by Ohio State in 2006 determined the BackSaver Grip effectively reduced lower back strain. It's detachable, so you can use it on any long-handled tool whether it is a rake, shovel, or snow shovel. One dedicated sportsman even used it on his fishing rod. It is available from many retail stores or online. The suggested retail price ranges from $9.99 to $11.99. It's a small price to pay when talking about back strain.

Author: Dave
Posted: May 18th, 2007
More Info: BackSaver Grip

Resources

July 5, 2007
Mid-Atlantic
By Charlotte Kidd,
Radnor, PA

Web Finds

Tool or Gardening Product

Stout's Backsaver Grip
This triangular, black device isn't sexy but it definitely works, providing leverage that makes it easier for me to lift shovels full of mulch or soil. The Backsaver Grip attaches to the long handle of a shovel, broom, rake, or any long-handled tool. I hold the grip in my left hand, ease the shovel into the mulch pile, and push the handle down with my right hand to lift the load. Much easier than a direct, back-breaking heave-to. An Ohio State University ergonomic study found that Stout's BackSaver Grip (retail $12) as well as the Backsaving Handle (retail $20) effectively reduced lower back strain and injury resulting from using shovels and rakes. Both handles significantly reduced twisting movement, twist angle, and flexion angle while shoveling, and flexion while raking. See these tools at: http://www.backsavergrip.com/.

From SQUIDOO: Health and Medicine

Back Pain Relief

Backsaver Grip. . .Back Pain Cure Secrets. . .

Backsaver Grip 

The purpose of the Backsaver Grip is to prevent unnecessary bending and stooping which increases back pain.

Pros: Back pain is, well, a pain in the back and as always the best cure is prevention. Avoiding a back ache is so much better than suffering with and treating a back ache and that is what the Backsaver Grip is designed to do.

The Backsaver Grip is made to easily attach to all of the long-handled tools that you use in every season of the year. In the summer pools need to be skimmed. In the spring gardens need to be hoed. In the fall leaves must be raked. In the winter snow must be shoveled and then there is the over-head painting tasks and the tree trimming tasks that always need to be done. The Backsaver grip can be easily attached to all of these long-handled tools that you use all year long and save you a lot of back pain.

Cons: There are no cons associated with the Backsaver Grip, but it may take a little while to get accustomed to the new grip. Give it a chance, though, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it works!

Value for money: The Backsaver Grip is an excellent value.

Where to buy:
Backsaver Grip

http://www.squidoo.com/backpain-relief