Lifting hooks are devices that can be strapped to your wrists that have a hook that can engage the barbell so you can increase back and glutes with deadlifts beyond what your hands can comfortably accommodate.
The reason I think this device is helpful is that there are countless times you want to put something into buckets (grain, water, dirt, fertilizer...) and carry it a significant distance.
If you are humping water from a water source that is 100 paces from where it is needed, and if you are moving hundreds of gallons then anything that simplifies the task is appreciated.
This device does not require gasoline or diesel. It does not require electricity nor does it make noise when used.
They do not cost tens-of-thousands of dollars like a tractor. The only special treatment they need is to be kept out of the UV light and away from moisture.
If things get spicy, you can flip the hook around to the back of your strong-side hand, leaving your hand available to manipulate other tools.
Fundamental tasks of manufacturing
- Selecting materials (from racks, standing wood, dirt)
- Moving materials (carryng, wheeling, pumping)
- Positioning materials (pouring into depression, on a sawbuck, planting, spray on trees)
- Joining materials (nailing, welding, sewing, knitting, screwing, gluing, covering with dirt)
- Cutting or separating materials (sawing, cutting with ax or shovel, breaking)
- Heating or cooling materials (burning, cooking, canning, freezing)
- Inspecting materials
- Putting tools and materials away
- Communicating (next shift, condition of materials, issues encountered)
Need to be a bit careful using these to carry stuff. Make sure you keep the muscles that support the shoulder joint and elbow joint engaged so that the muscle carries most of the load and the not ligaments and cartilage. You can end up hurt worse if you screw it up just right.
ReplyDeleteYes, a partial exoskeleton this is.
DeleteI'm in the camp of 'If you can't hang onto it you can't lift it.' These are crutch for failing to develop grip strength in line with other muscles.
You have to remember some of us are past our best days but still have to get it done.
DeleteThey look like a tool.
With regard to grip strength: The same argument could be made for not using gloves because we should have developed callouses.
DeleteSometimes we run into tasks where we have 90% of what we need but because of the rarity (like running buckets of water to the garden during a dry spell) we need an assist but it doesn't necessarily make sense to "train" for that infrequent task.
If the task is to deadlift heavy weights...yup, I am with you. But I see these hooks as a force-multiplier the same way I see gloves and tire-chains and come-alongs.
There is a reason the strongest men in the world use devices like this when they deadlift hundreds of (or over 1000) lbs, and it isn't because they have a wimpy grip. My comment above is not to say these shouldn't be used, but that the user should be mindful of how they use them.
DeleteThat reminds me... Another of those 2 is 1 things I have to nail down is a couple snatch blocks...
ReplyDeleteI've done this trick with wire bailed buckets. Insert a wrench with both ends open on the bail so that wrench handle spreads the weight among the fingers. Not quite so painful.
ReplyDeleteDrill 3/8" hole lengthwise through center of 5" length of 3/4" dowel.
DeleteCut dowel lengthwise into two equal halves.
Now you have a half for each hand.
A standard milkmaid's yoke might be more effective, safer, and easier to manufacture.
ReplyDeleteThese things look great to have around a homestead but they are pretty bulky to put into a ruck. Straps can be invaluable when carrying casualties on a litter through rough terrain, I.E through the jungle in Okinawa which is littered with creeks and tributaries. Fortunately, this was only in training and I don't recall having brought my straps with me. (grunts)
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that comes to mind when seeing these is that they could be useful carrying for 5Gal buckets across the nursery and feed buckets with dirt in them.
As for grip strength in deadlifting; deadlift until your grip is failing, then use straps to keep training. No sense in slowing down progress of everything else because grip is playing catch-up. Some people have bad wrists for one reason or another and these would be invaluable.
-Arc
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My late Father worked longshore as a young man. These match his description of cheater hooks.
ReplyDeleteStay safe
Just got a pair. Very well made and heavy duty. These require muscular engagement, you can't just let them hang on your wrist. The strap works with your hand to stabilize the hook.
ReplyDelete