Last time time I powerwashed my deck, my wrist/hands hurt days from the vibration. How can I avoid this?

Question

Obviously, I don't powerwash very often, and my wrists and hands were not accustomed to the vibration. Are there special gloves that I should wear, or some type of wrist protectors. I was not using an industrial powerwasher, but the pressure could be sufficient to seriously "cut into" the wood if I was not careful. I need to powerwash again, so any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Higher quality tools are better balanced and vibrate less. Use anti-vibration gloves. The good gloves are not cheap but they are worth the extra cost. Try woodcraft, or Lee Valley Tools or Garrett-Wade , or Bockler Tools on the net. They sell by mail order and are all reputable. I sometimes use the anti-vibration gloves under utility gloves for high vibration tools. (when I'm forced to use them or the work session is long. (also take frequent breaks, and soak your hands after a long job.)

Answer 2

You can pay someone to do this for about $100 with your equipment or double that if they bring their own. Might also get them to perform the re-seal painting afterwards.

Nothing like doing it yourself though. Put on some thick leather work gloves and suck it up. Try switching hands every so often. Take a break about half way through, but be sure to power down the pressure washer. Sometimes running them beyond a few minutes without spraying can hurt the pump.

Answer 3

Might try wrapping your wrists in athletic tape ahead of time. Thick mittens might also cut down on the vibration.

Ideally, you would be pawning off this sort of onerous task to a son, or relative. I happen to be looking for work...

Answer 4

get your wife to do it!!