Outdoors
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How to adapt your garden tools to work best for you
Working a lot on your garden can take it out on your hands, so it is important to have good tools. But however good your tools, they were not designed with just you in mind. With Sugru Mouldable Glue you can modify your gardening equipment to make them really fit you.
Sugru is great for this as it bonds to most materials, is easily formed and remains soft touch when set!
Kit
- 4 single-use packs of Sugru
- Soapy water
- Marker pen
Step 1
Before you open your Sugru it's best to spend some time thinking about how you use your tools. Each tool is used differently, so think about how you hold it and where you apply pressure. With the fork tool, a lot of force is applied downwards so it would be useful to have some sugru positioned between the thumb and index finger to push against.
Step 2
Mark the point of your grip where you wish to apply some Sugru.
Step 3
When performing a digging action with the fork, it would be useful to make a Sugru grip on the underside for the fingers to push against.
Step 4
Mark the underside accordingly.
Step 5
Now it's time to open your Sugru. You will need around 4 single-use packs for most large grips. Knead the Sugru between your fingers for roughly 10 seconds.
Once you have kneaded the packs of Sugru together into one large ball, divide it into 2 pieces. Roughly a 1/4 piece for the top grip and 3/4 piece for the underside.
We've done a bit of colour mixing to get this lovely blue, if you want to try a bit yourself then have a look at our colour mixing page.
Step 6
Press the smaller piece into the marked point on the top. Ensure that it is sufficiently pressed into the handle.
Step 7
Split the remaining Sugru into two pieces.
Step 8
Roll one of the pieces into a sausage the length between the two points you marked on the underside. Press it into place on the underside of the handle. Again make sure that it is sufficiently worked into the handle.
Step 9
Now it is time to get an impression of your grip in the Sugru. Cover the hand which you will use to hold the tool in soapy water.
Soapy water acts as a releasing agent for Sugru so allows you to take an impression without the Sugru sticking to your hand.
Step 10
Gently grip the tool as you would hold it when using it. Press into your grip any Sugru that spreads out the side.
Step 11
You will now have an impression of your grip on the top and underside of the tool.
Step 12
You will now want to build up parts of the grip using the remaining Sugru. Use in small amounts and just place and press into the grip. Do not worry too much about appearance at this stage, we will tidy up the Sugru later.
Step 13
Keep in mind where pressure needs to be applied and build up the grip accordingly.
Step 14
Once the new Sugru is in place, put a little more soapy water on your hand and gently re-grip the Sugru.
Step 15
Press down the edges of the Sugru all around the grip to ensure a strong bond.
Step 16
Smooth the grip with your finger and a bit of soapy water to get a tidy finish.
Step 17
Leave the tool to set for 12-24 hours. Ensure that it is propped up so that the Sugru is not touching any surface. Use tape to secure it in place if necessary.
