Topic: prehensile thumbs

[csendker]

Just how important is your left thumb when riding?  I'm thinking the clutch may be a bit hard to operate.  I'm working on my basement, fixing it up for the kids and while framing this morning, on the very last nail that I needed to drive, WHAM!  Full force swing directly on my left thumb with a big, 'ol framing hammer.  It's now real black & about twice the size of my right thumb.  I'm thinking the clock is ticking real loud on my nail, and the whole thing hurts like mad.  Hanging drywall has been real interesting with only one operable hand.  I have to drop off my truck Tuesday for a long overdue brake job, so I was riding the bike no matter what the weather (it's probably going to rain all week).  Hmmmmm, maybe I need a plan B.  Or better aim.  Or a brain.  I have to go take more Motrin now...

[Sam Green Racing]

Have a week off work and drink lots of beer

Sam.

[nickjtc]

If your nail has blood underneath (gone black) get a red hot pin/small drill bit/whatever and drill through it now. Stand back because the blood may squirt out. That will relieve the pressure on the nail and save you from losing it. Also, get your thumb x-rayed if in any doubt.

[clarkjh]

red hot pin/small drill bit/whatever and drill through it

I know I wouldn't be able to the above.   A brad nailer works quite nicely as a powered lance though.    Would have kept going if it hadn't hit the bone.

James

[merc2dogs]

I'll second that, punch a hole in the nail,it reduces pressure, and helps ease the pain a bit.

 Back 20 years ago I used to frame and finish, used a nice short estwing 20oz leathergrip hammer for finish work, and a good estwing waffleface 28oz hammer for framing, never failed, everytime I switched hammers I'd hit myself, quit framing so I always used the same hammer.

Ken.

[HITMAN]

Everyone has great ideas, but for the future...   Buy an AIR NAILER!!!

Your thumbs will thank you.

[csendker]

Well, I ended up drilling a hole thru the thumbhail.  Much blood, but swelling is down & pain is now more throbbing and less pressure.  Still hurts like hell, but thanks for the advice - certainly has helped.

[medic09]

Well, I ended up drilling a hole thru the thumbhail.  Much blood, but swelling is down & pain is now more throbbing and less pressure.  Still hurts like hell, but thanks for the advice - certainly has helped.

Just monitor that for infection (might even have your doc look at it).  Even with a lot of care to maintain cleanliness, infection is a real risk.  In extreme circumstances, little infections become cellulitis and threaten the limb.

[csendker]

Thanks medic.  I don't know what all the terms actually mean, but "threaten the limb" is pretty explicit.  Wifey is a nurse, currently on a Girl Scout trip with my daughter to Philly for the weekend.  Many surprises when she gets home today - a partially finished basement (progress slowed considerably after smashing my thumb) and a new patient.