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Grab this nifty tool — on sale for $10 — that makes raking and shoveling easier on your back
What is it?
Fall is here, and you know what that means — raking season! And while you might be dreading this arduous task, we've found a product designed to make the job a whole lot easier. The BackEZ Tool Handle Attachment is an extra handle that snaps onto rakes, snow shovels and other gardening gadgets to give you better leverage, keep you from crouching and help protect you from straining your back. Hallelujah! Plus, this handy gizmo happens to be on sale at Amazon just in time for gathering all of those fallen leaves.
Yard work and cleaning just got a whole lot easier.
Why is it a good deal?
We can't think of many instances in which $10 isn't a fair price, but for something with the potential to minimize painful back bending and straining (with over 1,800 perfect ratings to back it up), we can fairly call this a steal. We haven't seen this tool dip any lower all year, and the fact that it can be used for so many purposes — shoveling, raking, gardening, sweeping — makes it an even worthier investment.
Why do I need this?
If you live in an area that requires lots of raking and shoveling, you've probably experienced your fair share of day-after-aches. You have to get low enough for proper leverage, but an afternoon of contorting one's body is sure to cause discomfort, whether it's in your back, hips or even wrists.
BackEZ works like this: You attach it to your rake, shovel, broom, hoe — whatever tool you intend to use — by loosening its bolts via an included Allen key. Then, slide it over the handle towards the lower area you would normally grab with your hand, and tighten the bolts again to secure it. Easy enough! Now, you'll be able to grip the lower part of the handle without bending over as much (check out the photo below for reference).
While reducing back strain would certainly make this gadget a welcome addition to any home, you might also find that it helps prevent blisters and hand soreness, thanks to its ergonomic grip, while keeping your wrists in better alignment.
What reviewers say
"Want to save your back? This inexpensive, ingenious design will fit the bill," wrote a rave reviewer. "I live in the Northeast. We get some decent heavy snowfalls on occasion. My back is usually sore for days from the bending and lifting. With this nifty addition to my shovel, it is so much easier to lift a heavy shovel full of snow. Now, instead of my back, my left arm can carry half the weight. It is a more balanced way so that my back doesn't go out on me. It's a great workout now. ... Inexpensive and a life-changer!"
"Finally found a good tool to help my back," shared a satisfied shopper. "Really takes the pain out of digging and lifting in the garden. Just wish there was a quick-change option. It's sturdy, easy on the hands and I'll be buying a second one."
"I'm ... 66 years old with advanced arthritis in my hip," said another content customer. "I would never be able to manage all the snow shoveling we've had lately without this amazing gadget! ... Makes a huge difference with less strain on both my back and hip, and I'm able to clean up snow in about half the time I've needed in the past. You can't go wrong with this little tool, even if you don't have back/hip problems."
"Easy to attach, lightweight, sturdy, comfortable to hold," gushed a final fan. "Extremely helpful when trying to hold long-handled lawn and garden tools or brooms, especially when arthritis prevents your wrists from bending normally. A real game-changer!"
'Grab' it in red, green, yellow or this cool blue!
Another strain-reducing device we love? The FiPlus PowerGrip T9 Grabber Tool, which is also on sale (50% off!):
Think of this gadget as a 32" extension of your arm, allowing you to grasp items above and below without painful reaching or bending. Its rubber claws ensure a secure grip, and it even folds down when not in use.
"I’m 71 with serious back issues that keep me from bending over much at all," wrote an impressed shopper. "These grabbers have helped me literally hundreds of times over the four months I’ve owned them. I have picked up everything from a vitamin E gelcap to a can of tomatoes. Highly recommended and will buy again whenever I wear these out."
If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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