What do you do to spare your hands

I have RSI, plus various other injuries to my hands and arms. Further, my arms have been operated on numerous times (though not because of the RSI). All of this adds up to a loss function - or really more like a loss of endurance - I can hold things just not very tight and not for long.



I expect this type of problem is fairly common among woodworkers.



I'm hoping to start a discussion about what people in this position do to minimize the stress, pain or wear and tear on their hands.



Naturally I'm doing it because I want to learn a few tricks which will make my own life easier.



I'll start off with one suggestion. Nowadays, in the workshop I almost always wear gloves - those cheap little gardening gloves you can buy at Bunnings. The ones made with thin fabric overlayed with extremely grippy nitrile coating on the palms and fingertips. My thinking is that, with an artificially enhanced grip you don't have to squeeze so hard to hold an object firmly. I am certain they reduce the stress on my hands and forearms. Not only does this mean less suffering at night, but also greater accuracy because I'm not hurrying to get a process over and done with before the pain kicks in.



over to you.

cheers

Arron