NEWS DRAFT: NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

Contact: David Wilk 805-649-5206 wilkonian@sbcglobal.net

Major Help with Fall and Winter Chores

Question: What two seasonal chores never fail to elicit groans when they come due? Hint: They absolutely need to be done, offer very little gratification, and Murphy’s Law dictates they will need to be repeated shortly after you finish.

Answer: Raking leaves and shoveling snow.

Help’s on the way! Stout’s BackSaver Grip™, the inexpensive attachment that makes it easier to work with shovels, rakes and any other long-handled tool, is now available throughout the United States. The patented, ergonomic grip easily attaches to any long-handled tool to increase efficiency and save on back pain and strain.

BackSaver allows an individual to grip a tool higher on the shaft, avoiding the awkward bending that is the primary cause of back strain. It improves the productivity and performance of garden and lawn shovels, snow shovels, rakes, hoes, pitchforks, push brooms and numerous other long-handled tools. BackSaver provides a more comfortable way to grip a tool and allows the user to stand up straighter, using leg muscles instead of lower back muscles for power, control and lifting.

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Stout’s BackSaver Grip

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“Stout’s BackSaver Grip has helped a lot of people ease the strain and pain associated with long-handled tools,” said Ron Stout, inventor of the product. “It helps alleviate the pain caused by arthritis, back problems and just getting up in years. It provides the user with better control of the tool, more leverage and more power.”

The perpendicular grip positioning also reduces stress to the wrist, arm and shoulder and eliminates the chronic blisters people develop between the thumb and forefinger. For overhead tools, such as paint extension poles and tree trimmers, BackSaver substantially improves control and stability.

Tools commonly used with Stout’s BackSaver Grip

§ Snow shovels § Garden shovels § Rakes § Push-brooms § Lawn edgers § Hoes § Pitch forks

§ Mops § Paint extension poles § Tree Trimmers § Heavy (saltwater) fishing rods § Pool skimmers § Dip nets § Other long-handled tools

Stout’s BackSaver Grip first appeared in retail stores in Alaska in 2000, and was met with exceptional demand. In fact, in America’s 50^th state, it has become something of a sensation and is commonly seen on snow shovels, rakes, brooms, dip nets and heavy duty saltwater fishing rods.

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Stout’s BackSaver Grip

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“What I love is the versatility,” said David Wilk, co-owner. “When the snow comes, it takes two minutes to move BackSaver from your rake to your shovel. When spring arrives, you have a dozen other tools that benefit from the grip. Plus, it easily adjusts to be just as effective for someone under five feet tall or well over six feet.”

Handyman Club of America, the National Home Gardening Club, and the North American Fishing Club have endorsed BackSaver after testing by hundreds of members each. It is currently being tested as a worker-safety device in 26 state Departments of Transportation and 14 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers districts.

Stout’s BackSaver Grip was designed and patented by Ron Stout, a diesel mechanic and avid fisherman living in Anchorage. He first tinkered with a device to make it easier to haul in the region’s 100+ pound halibut. It was successful, and he then tried it on his snow shovel, also with success. Soon family, friends and neighbors were clamoring for the new “Grip.” Word spread. And after several improvements, it is as common as snow in Alaska. BackSaver retails (MSRP) for $9.99 to $11.99.

Stout’s BackSaver Grip is manufactured in the USA by Mercantile Buyers Service of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Full, lifetime warranty. For more information, visit www.backsavergrip.com, or call 805-649-5206.

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