1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Ergonomics

Ergonomic Review of the Radius Garden Weeder

The Ergonomic Breakdown

About.com Rating five out of Five

By Chris Adams, About.com

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 cultivating.

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.

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 narrow forked point stabs underneath a weed with ease.

The serrated edge slices through roots underneath the soil efficiently.

The color of the handle and the finish on the blade make the weeder 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

Popping Weeds Out With the Radius Garden Weeder
Popping Weeds Out With the Radius Garden Weeder
2006, Chris Adams, licensed to About.com
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 can saw through the soil fast and easily. The weeder is flexible in what you can do with it. Just about any way you can think of to attack a weed can be done with this weeder.

My first impressions of the Radius Garden Cultivator 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 Weeder read:

Compare Prices

Explore Ergonomics

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Ergonomics
  4. Buying Guide
  5. Lawn & Garden Equipment
  6. Ergonomic Breakdown of the Radius Garden Weeders

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.