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3 Must-Haves for Aging DIYers
By: Gary Legwold, Web Editor
Jan 31
Anti-aging advice and products are everywhere these days. But no matter what you try or what you buy, aging happens — if you’re lucky. Since you can’t avoid it, you might as well embrace your years: After all, well-earned wisdom and experience not only enable you to work more efficiently but also help you to achieve the best results in your DIY projects.
Embracing aging doesn’t mean living in denial. Older bodies need a little extra pampering, and these three must-haves can help you avoid aches and strains and work safely:
1. Headlamps and tool lights. Aging eyes like lots of light. Work lights provide good general light but they often don't shine the light exactly where you need it. Headlamps (left photo) solve that problem by freeing your hands and letting you shine light on your work area. Tools with built-in lights are another welcome innovation; one great example is DeWalt’s impact driver (right photo) with three LED lights around the chuck (see video) . The lights provide visibility without shadows, and they stay on for 20 seconds after the trigger is released.
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2. Headphones. If you don’t wear hearing protection in the shop, “WHAT?” will eventually become your most common response to any conversation. Headphones not only cut down on noise — and headaches — when you’re working around compressors, nailers, saws, mowers and blowers; they can also entertain you with tunes, talk and sports. And as a bonus, you can slip them on to escape a cacophony of kids/grandkids at play. Just pop on the muffs and tune out!
3. Kneepads. DIY projects are not typically stand-up gigs. And kneepads, such as the Irwin I-Gel Kneepads (left photo) aren’t just amenities; they become necessary with aging bones. If you don’t like kneepads (their straps can bind and pinch), carry a foam pad (I have a 4- x 6-in. ErgoKneel, right photo) in your tool bag. Taking care of your knees will prolong your ability to get up, down and around comfortably.
No matter what your age, get in the habit of using these products whenever you work. They’ll increase the number of years, if not decades, that you’ll be able to pursue your projects.
Now tell us in the Comments section (below) what tools make your projects more comfortable.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012 1:40 PM
Well I have 2 out of 3 - no knee pads! Probably a good thing to have on hand though!
Wednesday, February 01, 2012 1:42 PM
Got all 3. Very handy to have. But I found another important item to have being in the upper age group - a nice hot tub!!
Wednesday, February 01, 2012 3:46 PM
I have the knee pads and ear protectors with a new led light from grand daughter to work with !!!
Thursday, February 02, 2012 4:31 AM
I have and use all three. Also I keep a 12"x18" piece of scrape 2" thick foam board for kneeling on in the trunk of the car and in the garage. During the summer I use it around the in ground swimming pool when working on pool maintenance to protect my knees from the rough concrete decking around the pool. The wife uses one in the garden when weeding. The clip on headlamps that fit on the bill of a ball-cap work great also. I've seen some caps that have a built in lamp on the bill.
Thursday, February 02, 2012 1:22 PM
I have a pair of pants I bought specifically for Habitat for Humanity and they came with built in knee pad pockets. Slip in the thin high density foam knee pads and forget about the. They're always there when you need them and they can go through the wash. One of the best things I've purchased for my ache knees.
Thursday, February 02, 2012 9:32 PM
ppgllc The combo of the light and the knee pads where ever it is; under the sink, under the house, or in the attic
Tuesday, February 07, 2012 6:10 PM
i got all three the head lamp is my best friend
Tuesday, February 07, 2012 7:28 PM
Well I'm with PKINGSLEY I have all three The LED light, knee pad and the De Walt drill with the light. The LED light has two settings and boy is it a life saver.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 11:27 AM
CRACKZAPIT! for the cracks on my fingers!
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 2:37 PM
I can't agree with headphones in the workplace. Hearing protection, yes, but headphones are distracting. You need to hear other people, not tunes.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 8:37 PM
That is right who in their right mind would want to wear headphones that play music? especially when they are working around machinery???? I use regular ear muffs that will deaden the high pitch sounds. I have a good pair and use them when I am working around the table saw and other high pitch sounds that are found in the shop.
Thursday, February 09, 2012 4:36 AM
I also find that the rubber antifatigue mats are a big help. I have four of them, #1 in front of the tablesaw, #2 at the miter saw, #3 is mobile traveling from the belt sander, drill press, & the router table, & #4 is beside the work bench.
Thursday, February 09, 2012 4:57 AM
# 4 for me would be my magnified safety glasses. They only run about $12 and make it easier than trying to wear goggles over my readers.
Thursday, February 09, 2012 8:30 PM
Sorry, I forgot to mention that my LED light has 2 setting besides off and I also have a thick rubber mat in front of my table saw as well as kneeling pad which I use around the house. I also always use my safety glasses as well.
Saturday, February 18, 2012 8:45 AM
I have all three as well good foam earplugs work well if you have a tight spot to get into like under a sink or any place where you have limited space also i agree with the hot tub statement old bones need pampering from time to time
Saturday, February 18, 2012 2:56 PM
I carry a Gerber multy tool although there is nothing mentioned, repeatedly it comes up one of the most used and handy tools in my arsenel. So it's worthy of being added to your list due to the step saving and convenience. J. R.
Sunday, February 19, 2012 8:14 AM
I have 2 of the 3, also. I have a couple different kinds of 'headlights'. Second best use of them is, either before, or after those "honey-do" lists are tackled/finished, it's usually dark, or getting dark, so the headlights come in very handy out on my kayak when fishing!!!
Sunday, February 26, 2012 7:45 PM
Franklin::::I don't have the headlights. Good idea..will purchase them next...
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 11:11 AM
Disabled; I haveand use the following ; 2 types of headlamps, 2 sets of kneepads, 2 ear muffs( I also use foam plugs with my earmuffs when using high pitched tools. I also wear safety eye protection; whether it is in goggle form or face shield form. Let us not forget our lungs fellow woodworkers. We should protect them also when working with our wood projects. I have found that their are some real handy women in our fellow woodworkers.
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