[Radman]

In October I decided to take the brush hog off of the tractor and mount the blade. Drove the tractor into the barn and dropped the brush hog. Drove the tractor down to where I had the blade sitting on a frame that I had made for it. Got everything hooked up to the 3 point hitch except the left stabilizer bar. It was being difficult, I almost got the stabilizer bar aligned with the 3 point pin. Then the channel locks slipped. The 3 point hitch was the anvil, the stabilizer bar was the hammer, and my left index finger was in the middle. Smashed index finger tip of the left hand. I finished mounting the blade and went to the house. Went to the house, cleaned the blood, and realised that I could not straighten the tip of that finger. Went to the ER. They found that I did not break the end of the finger, I had severed the tendon that straightened the finger. The good news was that I did not need surgery, the bad news 9 weeks 24/7 of that finger keeping it straight. It is a real pain keeping your index finger straight. Very hard to type, put your socks on, and field dress a deer. I am out of the splint now, and can almost close the finger to a fist.
Take the time to use the correct tool. It will save you a lot of time in the long run.

[67drake]

I dropped a manhole cover on my left index finger over the summer, I’m left handed to boot.
It was workman’s comp , so I went right off to the ER. It was broken, and split in two. Took 12 stitches. I also had to have a splint on it and went back to work the next day. Trying to do simple tasks and keep your index finger straight is a challenge!
I’d post a picture, but I’m sure it would get deleted!
Oh! The tool! Yeah, I was using a pair of fencing pliers to quickly lift the cover, to pour some enzymes down it for our sewer plant maintenance. NOT the correct tool for the job. The hook on the pliers slipped out of the slot in the manhole, but it’s a quick way to pop them open. Another 4-6” higher, and I’m sure my finger would have been cut off and end up in the wastewater below.

[DaleO]

I am sorry to hear this and glad not permanent for you. If I may I'd like to jump in here too to drive safety home to everyone. I was in a hurry one day to move my Farmall A so I could get to another project and started it, standing next to it, in gear. I rolled out of the way while it drove up over my leg which broke in three places and the worse was tearing the ligaments in the ankle. Think in the moment and not too far ahead. It took more months to get the job I originally wanted to do instead of the quick job it would have been.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by 67drake

I dropped a manhole cover on my left index finger over the summer, I’m left handed to boot.
It was workman’s comp , so I went right off to the ER. It was broken, and split in two. Took 12 stitches. I also had to have a splint on it and went back to work the next day. Trying to do simple tasks and keep your index finger straight is a challenge!
I’d post a picture, but I’m sure it would get deleted!
Oh! The tool! Yeah, I was using a pair of fencing pliers to quickly lift the cover, to pour some enzymes down it for our sewer plant maintenance. NOT the correct tool for the job. The hook on the pliers slipped out of the slot in the manhole, but it’s a quick way to pop them open. Another 4-6” higher, and I’m sure my finger would have been cut off and end up in the wastewater below.

Broken fingers and hands suck. Just broke my right hand a few days ago. Nasty boxers fracture on #4 and #5 metacarpals. Broke em real good. Gonna have surgery this week. Looking at some plates, screws, and some pins for good measure.

Fun stuff!

[Mr_GTO]

I partially tore a tendon in my right hand(writing hand) freshman year in College playing football. It got bent back almost to my arm. Doctor didn't want to operate since he figured it would heal on it's own but that meant 4 weeks in a cast. Lots of fun doing everything I used to with my right hand now with my left. Writing in classes with left hand was AWESOME.

[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by Mr_GTO

I partially tore a tendon in my right hand(writing hand) freshman year in College playing football. It got bent back almost to my arm. Doctor didn't want to operate since he figured it would heal on it's own but that meant 4 weeks in a cast. Lots of fun doing everything I used to with my right hand now with my left. Writing in classes with left hand was AWESOME.

lol my handwriting with my right hand is suspect enough. Writing with my left legitimately looks like a 4yo wrote it.

[sdbob]

Years ago when I was getting ready sell our old home. I was finishing siding, etc. I needed cut down the large aluminum awning next to the siding. I had the piece on the horses,in a hurry,big steel square,one razor knife. I scored the aluminum a couple times,the last time the knife grabbed the square came across my left hand thumb !!! Yes bad! Dr in emergency room said looks like you used a new blade! I had no feeling for many years,well the finger nail grew back I have feeling now 24 yrs later. When will I learn,my dad would say watch yourself,its like throwing salt on a wound.

[dataway]

It hurt considerably when I did this.

Four surgeries and they managed to put everything back where it belonged.

The dog grabbed one of the fingers and ran around with it for five minutes before I could get it back.

OK, I made that last part up.