Need A 4th Hand Due To Disability
08-10-19, 08:54 PM
#1
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Need A 4th Hand Due To Disability
I have permanent nerve damage in my right hand and arm and I'm right-handed. I have built and worked on many bikes and never felt the need for a 4th hand tool. I cannot hold cables any more like I used so I'm considering either a Hozan (I love their tools) or Park 4th hand (I'm not a huge fan of Park) but I have a lot of there older tools that I find are better than many of their newer ones. Any suggestions and votes for the Hozan or Park 4th hand for my atypical situation.
08-10-19, 09:16 PM
#2
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I have a newish (6 years old maybe?) Park 4th hand. Decent tool. I use it quite a bit. There's some play in it but that hasn't mattered at all other than I have to look when I engage the wire.
Ben
Ben
08-10-19, 09:17 PM
#3
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I have an IceToolz 4th hand, but they are all pretty much identical as far as I have seen, and should all work fine. I also have a 3rd hand wire clamp, made I believe by Bell, which holds brake shoes against the rim. Here's a similar one; https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Bicycle-.../dp/B079QHB3S4 Even without a disability they both can be very helpful when working without a helper.
08-11-19, 07:33 AM
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I have the Hozan 4th hand tool that I got as part of a deal on a used bike back in the '90's. I don't use it a lot but it does work very well when needed.
08-11-19, 08:23 AM
#5
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I have an IceToolz 4th hand, but they are all pretty much identical as far as I have seen, and should all work fine. I also have a 3rd hand wire clamp, made I believe by Bell, which holds brake shoes against the rim. Here's a similar one; Even without a disability they both can be very helpful when working without a helper.
I purchased the Hozan 4th hand tool last night it should arrive today from Amazon.
08-11-19, 10:37 AM
#6
elcraft
I have a Pedro's 4th hand and a Hozan. I prefer the Hozan's construction and feel more than the Pedro's version. But, the Hozan tool has no "ratchet stop" for when the cable is at it's most stretched position. This isn't a problem with most cable anchor bolts that can be tightened with a single tool( Nut driver or an Allen key). But when the particular mechanism requires two tools or another complication, I resort to using the less comfortable Pedro design.
I should mention that I use these tools for two non-bicycle related purposes, though. They are a superb tool for installing zip ties! The second is distantly related to cycling; I use the Pedro's tool for servicing the clutch cable on a P Series Vespa. The cable anchor bolt isn't attached to anything, per se. It clamps onto the cable after it passes through a hole in the end of the clutch lever. Two tools must be used to cinch down on the anchor bolt; so Pedro's design is the one that works.
I should mention that I use these tools for two non-bicycle related purposes, though. They are a superb tool for installing zip ties! The second is distantly related to cycling; I use the Pedro's tool for servicing the clutch cable on a P Series Vespa. The cable anchor bolt isn't attached to anything, per se. It clamps onto the cable after it passes through a hole in the end of the clutch lever. Two tools must be used to cinch down on the anchor bolt; so Pedro's design is the one that works.
08-11-19, 11:58 AM
#7
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Are you lucky!
PM me your name and address and I'll mail a Park one to you.
PM me your name and address and I'll mail a Park one to you.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
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08-11-19, 04:44 PM
#8
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08-11-19, 06:26 PM
#9
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Oh yeah. That's a great tool. I use all sorts of these tools. Take a look at what Vise Grip has to offer too. Clamps are good.
08-12-19, 07:12 AM
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I’m curious to know your opinion as well. I have both the Park and the Hozan, and I vastly prefer the Hozan.
With that said, I have two good hands and go not need the function of the Park version to hold tension by itself with the ratchet complication.
With that said, I have two good hands and go not need the function of the Park version to hold tension by itself with the ratchet complication.
08-12-19, 09:11 AM
#11
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I was going to PM you yesterday but discovered I must have 10 posts before I can PM someone. If it wouldn't be too much of a bother for you to PM perhaps they will allow me to reply with my Name and Contact information.
