Grip-assist gloves or cuffs help workers with impaired grip strength to securely hold tools.  Hammers, hatchets, wrenches and other frequently used hand tools have small-diameter handles that are especially difficult to hold securely.  This grip assist glove was designed for individuals having limited use of their hands or fingers due to a debilitating arthritis, accident or injury. 

These gloves are leather lined and constructed for durability. Internal braces in the glove are removable and bendable providing a personalized and contoured fit. Designed with multi-use in mind, small hook straps enable the user to grip even challenging objects such as eating utensils, brushes etc. The larger strap, when run through a single palm loop, forms a closed fist which enables the user to grip larger tools in the shop. 

A corn husker’s hook is a similar cuff with a steel hook that can be used to lift and carry bucket handles, crates or boxes without curling the fingers.  Pipe-foam insulation on a tool handle can also help by increasing the diameter of the handle, improving the grip. 

Cordless electric tools and air powered tools such as air nailers and cordless drills can replace the need to grip and twist small hammer or screwdriver handles.  There are even battery powered tape measures for extending a measure with one hand! 

The Toolbox from the National AgrAbility Project at Purdue University gives the great idea shown below.  “Fattened” handles with pipe foam insulation around them are much easier to grip for workers with arthritic hands.