Ergonomic Review of the Radius Garden Bulb Trowel

Ergonomic Breakdown: Human-Machine Interfaces

The Radius handle provides a comfortable and stable grip. You can grip the handle in the natural wrist position which allows you strength and control while digging with the bulb trowel. You can also grip the handle for a downward, stabbing motion with comfort on the flatter part of the handle.

The curve of the handle and a pointed protrusion at the end of the handle helps the hand register in the natural wrist position easily. The grip is thick which reduces cramping and provides improved control and stability.

A good tool acts as an extension of the body. This is a good tool that acts as an extension on your arm and allows you to punch a blade into the soil.

Ergonomic Breakdown: Comfort Factors

The form factor of the Radius handle is comfortable to grip.

The grip surface provides a solid interface even when wet and is pleasant and soft to touch.

The aluminum/magnesium blade has an anti-glare matte finish which makes it easy to look at even in bright sunlight.

Ergonomic Breakdown: Efficiency Factors

The Radius handle transfers your strength to the soil through the tool more efficiently than a conventional handle.

The long, thin blade makes digging small, deep whole efficient.

Depth marks on the blade at 1,3, and 5 inches let you know how deep your whole is without the need for another tool.

The color of the handle and the finish on the blade make the bulb trowel easy to find in the dirt, grass, tool box or shed.

The end of the handle has a pointed protrusion that makes it a breeze to hang up.

Use, Misuse & Unknowns

Even though the handle may seem a little awkward when you look at it, it is actually quite intuitive to use and fits in the hand naturally.

With the natural wrist position you do punch more than stab, but this is a good thing. You have more strength and control over your actions this way.

My first impressions of the Radius Garden Bulb Trowel gave me only one real concern. That was the cast aluminum/magnesium blade. In my past experiences cast aluminum blades have always been a poor quality alternative to forged metal. This cast aluminum/magnesium alloy seams to be an exception to that thought. I felt no weakness within the blade or handle throughout the usability test and do not see any premature breakage in its future. However, only time will really tell.

To see how to use the Radius Garden Bulb Trowel read:

• Digging With the Radius Garden Bulb Trowel
• Measuring Bulb Hole Depth With the Radius Garden Bulb Trowel