Painful tingling in hands after polishing.

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Throop210

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I can do a couple panels with my Griots Garage polisher before my hands hurt to bad. Its the pins and needles type feeling you get after a body part goes numb. Is this common? Does this go away after time? I'm new to using a polisher and maybe I'm just not used to it or maybe I'm just a wuss.

Thanks
Josh
 
Have you ever been tested for carpal tunnel syndrome? That might be your problem.
 
Just sounds like vibration to me. Try gripping the machine harder. Also you maybe stopping the machine from spinning so its just vibrating back and forth, left and right.

It's surprisingly easy to stop a DA/ RO from spinning so you could draw a single thick black line on the backing plate so you can actually see it spinning or not.

If the machine isn't spinning it will exaggerate the vibrations a lot.
 
Throop210 said:
I can do a couple panels with my Griots Garage polisher before my hands hurt to bad. Its the pins and needles type feeling you get after a body part goes numb. Is this common? Does this go away after time? I'm new to using a polisher and

maybe I'm just not used to it or maybe I'm just a wuss.

^^^Don't ever try to get used to something "unnatural" like painful tingling/numbness!!!^^^
You didn't have these symptoms before using a polisher...Did you?

Thanks
Josh
Click to expand...
"Tingling in Hands" can be, indeed, severe; be chronic; episodic; even hereditary.

It could also be a symptom of:
-"Repetitive Stress Syndrome"
-The onset of nerve damage that is known as: "Peripheral Neuropathy" (over 100 types...including Carpal Tunnel)
-"Vibration White Finger"
-Forewarning of Diabetese (diabetic neuropathy)
-Bacterial or viral infections...even toxic exposures (what's in the products you're using to detail?)

Alarming as the above may seem...
Such "Hand-tingling", as you're experiencing, can also be benign and temporary.

I can only strongly suggest that:
It's very, very, very important to seek prompt medical evaluation for any tingling in your hands.
The earlier the underlying cause of your "tingling" is identified and brought under control,
the less likely you are to suffer potentially lifelong consequences.

I just hope and pray that any tingling/numbness isn't felt in other areas of your body...
The feet are very prone to suffer from this affliction. It's not any FUN!!

Also...
A change in what tools you use may cause a cessation of this tingling/numbness.
Even vibration-absorbing gloves.
Perhaps your physician can also advise in this matter.

Good Luck!


:)

Bob
 
You guys freak me out. I thought maybe it was just something I would have to get used to. I've never had any problems like this before and its only ever happened after using the polisher. The tingling goes away in 5 minutes are so. Thanks for the advice and I'll take it. Need to schedule an appointment with the Doc. I'll also makes sure I watch my pressure on the polisher. Maybe me being new I just end up vibrating it to much.

Thanks
Josh
 
All fingers or only the first 3 and inside of 4th?
 
I can't really remember. I want to say its my whole hand.
 
Next time pay attention and see if your pinky is spared. If so, it is definitely carpal tunnel syndrome, caused by inflammation and compression of the median nerve as it passes through your wrist. Given that your symptoms are related to polishing it almost certainly is a compressive neuropathy.

The easy solution is to use NSAIDs (motrin, advil, aleve, etc) and a brace at night. Also place your hand flat on the polisher head, do not cock your wrist back.

If you still have symptoms talk to your doctor.
 
Throop210 said:
You guys freak me out.
Josh
Click to expand...

I wouldn't panic just yet. I used to get the same thing every time I used my weed whacker until I realized the head was out of balance. Fixed that, much less vibration, no more tingling.
 
How hard are you holding the buffer? Using lots of clenching force to hold the buffer can also cause that in my opinion.
 
Throop210 said:
I can do a couple panels with my Griots Garage polisher before my hands hurt to bad. Its the pins and needles type feeling you get after a body part goes numb. Is this common? Does this go away after time? I'm new to using a polisher and maybe I'm just not used to it or maybe I'm just a wuss.

Thanks
Josh
Click to expand...

You may or may not build up a tolerance after a while to the vibration caused by the polisher. I used a Porter Cable PCXP for the last four years and experienced the same problem after a few hours of use.

I recently purchased a Rupes 15 polisher and have yet to experience the same numbness in my fingers that the Porter Cable PCXP caused. I didn't buy the Rupes 15 polisher to keep my fingers from going numb but that was a nice added bonus. The Rupes has less vibration than other DA polishers, however the cost is hard to justify for a weekend warrior.
 
I had the same problem with the Griots. Switched to the Flex, much less vibration, no sore tingly hands. I'll be trying the Rupes next. Tried it for a quick moment and its smooth!
 
No need to be at speed 5 or 6 when polishing IMO. Speed 4 is just fine. To be honest I never use speed 6 lol
 
@OP:

This topic has been an issue discussed on the AGO forum before...even clear back in 2007.
If you have the time, you may wish to read through some of the below pertinent links.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...gotten-hand-pain-cramps-detailing-before.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...015-numb-hands-while-using-gg-first-time.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...rs/44584-any-tips-alleviate-da-vibration.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/7540-vibration-white-finger-syndrome.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...low-vibration-random-orbital-suggestions.html


IMHO: "Tingling/Numbness/Associated-pain" is nothing to ever be blasé about.

TO WIT:
In a matter of speaking:
Unfortunately...I know "first-hand" of this subject matter's seriousness.

In a matter of speaking:
Fortunately I can pass-on what I've learned about this subject...including:
What I have learned that I must now live with.


:)

Bob
 
Side Note: I introduced my PC to my kid when doing the carpet. I kicked it up to speed 6 (unknowingly)

He said after 30 seconds "Ahh... It's to fast!!!, it hurts!!!" I said your exaggerating!

I then tried it at speed 6 and yes it's to much vibration lol.

This was a month ago and I can still feel the vibrations hahaha (kidding)
 
ihaveacamaro said:
How hard are you holding the buffer? Using lots of clenching force to hold the buffer can also cause that in my opinion.
Click to expand...

This is true.

Vibrating hand tools are associated with occupational hazards such as carpal tunnel and VWF; however, in the vast majority of cases, the tingling is self-limited and is usually due to poor technique.

Tingling isn't really going to respond well to OTC pain killers such as Tylenol or NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, etc.). If it is completely predictable and self-limiting in the same period of time, there probably isn't much to be worried about. If the sensations are predictable but aren't going away in a predictable fashion or you notice a change in pattern or symptoms, then I would suggest an evaluation.

...or a better DA.
 
FWIW:
A previous posting of mine from this link: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...nds-while-using-gg-first-time.html#post734313

It can be taken as with 'a grain of salt', if so desired.

FUNX725 said:
Performing many varied assignments in and around factories for over 40 years,
I too have experienced (still do) what you are going through.

-Also, having taken training in various Safety, Ergonomics, OSHA, etc.,
I'm aware of various industrial injury causes.
Even so...I'm not claiming to be a Safety Expert...
Just been highly exposed to this type of phenomenon.

-What it sounds like to me is a symptom of: repetitive stress injury...
caused by exposure of the hands to vibrating equipment.

-How long have you been using tools, such as polishers, that vibrate?

-Even though you stated that you didn't have this problem with the G110v2,
the affects of using vibrating tools/equipment are cumulative.

-Also the GG 6 may indeed have a different 'amplitude of vibration' compared to the G110v2.
Ergo...You "feel" the numbness sensation faster, so to speak.

Eventually, if you keep on using this type of tools/equipment without proper safeguards,
you may develope/incur what's known as: Vibration White Finger (VWF)..

-VWF is a cumulative disorder caused by the use of vibrating tools/equipment.
There is no cure once you have developed it.
It is a nerve/blood-vessel disorder.


-When your hands are exposed to coldness your finger tips (and eventually the entire fingers)
will turn white at first; then, will turn blue upon being
warmed-up---with usually a lot pain being experienced.
Not a lot of fun...and it never, ever stops going through this vicious cycle!!

-However there are measures you can take to prevent reaching this VWF disorder stage;
or, if obtained, can help reduce/ward-off the frequency and duration of white finger episodes.

For example:

-Use the best ergonomic tools/equipment that reduce vibration transference to the hands.
(You may have to make a serious: "which, if any, polisher is best for me and my health"...decision.)

-Use vibration absorbing gloves or pads. Gel padding is better than foam padding for protecting against vibration.

-Hold tools/equipment loosely. Tight grip sinks the ship.

-Limiting your time using a vibrating tool:
Short durations with frequent breaks---10-15 minutes each hour, for example.

-Always keep your hands warm to keep blood flowing.
If they get cold...warm 'em up as fast as posssible!

-Never smoke (or stop if you do) or use any other tobacco products...
(shrinks blood vessels)

-Caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines can act as 'triggers'.
Remove these from your diet.

-Any drugs/substances that inhibit blood flow have to be avoided.

-Exercise...Not only to maintain an overall physical fitness...
But exercise your fingers/hands to improve circulation.

-Consultation with your Dr./Health-Care Provider is of utmost importance!!


-Stop using vibrating equipment. :dunno: :eek: :(

Remember: this is a cumulative disorder.
The more you vibrate, the worse it will get.
It is, afterall, your Health & Well-being!!


-This is a very serious situation you have presented...IMHO.
And...I hope you didn't mind me addressing it as such.


Take care!

:)

Bob
Click to expand...
 
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