Modelling aids for those with arthritic hands/poor grip

[spikey]

I have somewhat wonky hands now due to a combination of issues including arthritis, and have struggled recently to keep a steel rule held in place while I run a scalpel along it to cut plastic card. If anyone else has the same issues, I heartily recommend one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Helix-30cm-12-Metal-Rule-Safety-Ruler-Aluminium-Non-Slip-Finger-Grip/301155727258?epid=604998279&hash=item461e47b79a:g:ao4AAOxycD9TTq5f Excellent piece of kit which has solved the problem, and at only £4.99 delivered (in 48 hours). That and my North West Short Line Chopper II have completely transformed my antics with plastic card, and enabled me to tackle things which were previously beyond my capabilities.

 

Anybody else in the same boat found other products which make modelling easier for those of use with somewhat limited dexterity?

[The Johnster]

I have a feeling I may need one of these in the not too distant future.  I am finding pliers increasingly useful as holding devices and am looking into similar self closing devices for this; my fingers were always a bit chubby and clumsy, and my 'advance from youth' as my GP, who has clearly been on a course, calls it, is not going to improve matters!  Things need to be held in a lit position for working on them, painting, or assembling, and modelling sessions these days give me eye strain and a stiff neck if they last more than about 40 minutes at a time.  Close work which I used to be able to manage, renumbering coaches for example, is now beyond me and results in a) failure, followed by b) a trip up the pub to restore my calm.  

 

I am supposed to be enjoying this, and if I need aids to handling things to do so, it is the way I must go.  But I cannot see any solution to the small numbers issue...

[spikey]

... and am looking into similar self closing devices ...

I'd be lost without clothes pegs, miniature clamps, and above all else, these things https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Fibre-Grips-Tweezers-Reverse-Action-Stainless-Steel-Heat-Resistant-Soldering/161307999922?epid=1605421328&hash=item258eb4beb2 which if nothing else are truly

remarkable value for money from this supplier!

Edited May 19, 2018 by spikey

[martin_m]

For a bigger ruler, for bigger jobs, I have this one

https://www.therange.co.uk/hobbies-and-crafts/craft-supplies/trimmers-and-cutting-tools/guillotines/jakar-aluminium-cutting-ruler-with-handle#253079

[The Johnster]

I'd be lost without clothes pegs, miniature clamps, and above all else, these things https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Fibre-Grips-Tweezers-Reverse-Action-Stainless-Steel-Heat-Resistant-Soldering/161307999922?epid=1605421328&hash=item258eb4beb2 which if nothing else are truly

remarkable value for money from this supplier!

 

These are definitely worth a punt!  I use wooden clothes pegs, by the way, as I find they grip better than plastic ones which can also have all sorts of curved shapes that I don't want at the grippy end.

[petertg]

I have similar problems. However I am stuck in dock with heart trouble, so I cannot investigate the matter until I get out. Will keep it in mind. Greetings.

[AdamsRadial]

I have been using one of the 6-in-1 Unimat Classics as a reconfigurable jig assembly to mount things on. It allows for moving things around in very small amounts, which I often found difficult with my rather impulsive hands. It's useful when glueing things together because you can position the two parts precisely so thay are in the right position, wind one of them out a couple of millimetres, apply the glue, then wind back by the same amount and just leave it to set. No having to hold bits together for five minutes with a nose that suddenly has to be scratched.