Invented and patented by James Pladson, Reach Right is an innovative tool attachment that is poised to transform the way snow and ice management professionals work with long-handled tools, offering unprecedented levels of ergonomic efficiency and enhanced productivity.
As the only son of a father who was a realtor, property owner/manager and house flipper, James was tasked with many projects around the properties. As fate would have it, snow removal was one of them; and just like everyone else he got a sore back from the repetitive strain shoveling causes. After completing a long snow route and sitting in class at North Dakota State University, James drew the first sketch of a handle on a shovel, which planted the seed for what would become Reach Right.
While following in his dad’s footsteps into a real estate career and raising 4 daughters with his wife, James continued to search for the optimal way to attach Reach Right to his shovels. Not willing to settle on a "good enough" approach to bring it to market, James tabled Reach Right until 2019 when his dad passed away. One of his final wishes was for James to "finish the handle." With renewed determination James set out to do just that.
After unsuccessfully trying numerous fastening systems, James eventually found the solution in 2021 while using a T-C style clamp to mount a camera to a post. After incorporating this into the design and witnessing the immediate, sturdy and strong hold it produced, James knew he could bring this to market and truly change the way snow is shoveled. Reach Right has received three utility patents, the first in 2011 and two more in 2023. The latest patent is for the 3-point clamp that allows you to easily attach to or detach from virtually any long-handled tools.
Safety and user satisfaction have been paramount throughout Reach Right’s development. The ability to securely attach to a variety of tool shaft sizes while supporting the dynamic positions and movements of a users’ upper extremities sets it apart. This essential safety feature ensures Reach Right remains firmly in place, regardless of the forces exerted while lifting, pulling or pushing the tool.
Versatility is another key feature with Reach Right’s ability to quickly, easily and securely attach to any longhandled tool shaft diameters from 1 to 1-5/8 inches. In James’ experience in snow removal, he knows that versatility is essential on the go as conditions change. "Time is money; and going from a 36" pusher making windrows, to an 18′ scoop, to an ice scraper and back to shovel again can take 30 seconds between tools. And once Reach Right is on the shovel, I can work faster and not be sore after."
Reach Right also brings time and energy savings. By extending your reach to keep you upright, Reach Right reduces time spent in the movement of repeatedly bending over and lifting snow. This allows workers to finish their routes faster, resulting in heightened overall output and profits. Moreover, by preventing back injuries, Reach Right can minimize workers’ compensation claims and injury downtime.
Reach Right’s breakthrough ergonomic tool design, ease of use, reliability, and safety features position Reach Right as a game-changer for professionals or individuals relying on long-handled tools to complete their work.
For more information about Reach Right and to purchase the product, visit ReachRightUSA.com.
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