Heartfelt thanks (& a challenge)

[RodKirby]

I don't know how to really express my thanks to everyone, for your support and encouragement. Just know that you guys are making ALL the difference to how I'm feeling right now

The challenge - after 3 days back in the Shed.

I seem to be able to do almost everything I've done before - albeit slowly or awkwardly. Except:

How the **** do I use a nail punch! I guess when my short thumb is less painful, I can swap hands - punch in the left, hammer in the right (a frightening thought )

The other thought I had - surprise - some sort of jig to hold the punch (?)

Any suggestions, guys?

[stormdog74]

This might work:

www.unc.edu/~johu/school/report.do

Glad to hear your back on the horse again.

[cabinetman]

How 'bout a vise grip?
.

[gary]

Get an Automated Center Punch and you only need one hand. Here is a link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_center_punch

[LarryG]

Gary's suggestion is great for a center punch. For a nail set, experiment with holding the punch using only your fingers ... for example, put your index finger and pinkie on the "inside" of the punch (nearest your body), and your middle and ring fingers on the "outside."

On a closely related matter ... aren't you left-handed? Or am I remembering wrong?

[LinuxRandal]

If that hand isn't too sore to use, use some needle or long nose pliers to hold it. With small enough handles, that your palm will hold shut.

Or, Have someone who trusts your swinging ability, hold the set, then go grab a MUCH bigger hammer (16lb sledge)

[poolhound]

how about a simple piece of wood with a hole in it thick enough to keep the punch vertical

[pelligrini]

I was thinking about a 6" or 7" long square (or dowel) piece that could be gripped with the palm and fingers. The punch is held at the end with a piece of inner tube or the like, perpendicular to the handle.

[RodKirby]

Thanks, guys.

Stormdog74 - broken link...

LarryG - Yes left handed, otherwise I'd be in real trouble.

Gary+ - The center punch sounds doable - more later...

[stormdog74]

Stormdog74 - broken link...

Sorry about that - try this:

www.unc.edu/~johu/school/report.doc

It is a word document, but an interesting read and it has pictures. It was for someone who had a brain tumor and the radiation caused paralysis of his right arm.

[pelligrini]

I saw something similar to what I was talking about at woodcraft this afternoon.

http://www.amazon.com/ThumbSaver-TS0...1822775&sr=8-1

[gary]

Try this for a nail set. The center section moves and it'll put less shock on the hand holding it.

http://www.amazon.com/Malco-TNP2S-St...1823539&sr=1-5

[RodKirby]

I saw something similar to what I was talking about at woodcraft this afternoon.

http://www.amazon.com/ThumbSaver-TS0...1822775&sr=8-1

That will be great - but they won't ship to Oz (?) Maybe because it is magnetic?

Also http://www.amazon.com/Malco-TNP2S-St...1823539&sr=1-5

Can anyone help?

[cwsmith]

Rod,

Sounds like you're feeling a bit chipper again. Nice to hear that you're getting back into things quickly.

As far as the nail punch goes, try positioning it between your fingers, with the index and ring finger on one side and the middle finger on the other. I think you can hold it quite firmly that way and have good control. Problem will be picking it up and for awhile anyway, I imagine you'll have to position it with the help of your other hand.

Kindest regards and wishes for a quick recovery,

CWS

[gary]

Rod, I hope you can appreciate this. I asked my wife about your problem and she said you needed an artificial thumb extension and then called it a "sacrificial thumb". I about fell out of chair laughing at that.