Knee pads?

[Ian_Edwards]

I have quite lot of work to do on the teak deck coming up next month.
I've never bothered with knee pads before, but this time I think it is probably worth while.
They need to be the strap on type, not the type that fit in pockets of overalls.
There's a bewildering range available online.
Any suggestion on what to buy and what to avoid.
I'm happy to spend a bit of money on knee pads that might make a tedious job a bit more comfortable.

 

[NormanS]

Mine came from Lidl or Aldi. Simple Velcro straps to hold them on. It's not a high tech item.

 

[Davy_S]

The Blue Peter version involves your wife's leftover, a pair of scissors and a piece of string, it costs nowt!

 

[Clancy Moped]

I used some old skateboard pads, perfectly fine.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I had some knee pads that fitted over my legs but were uncomfortable so got some of these below

https://www.takealot.com/kneepal-kneeling-cushion-charcoal/PLID43037758

Con't i they are available in the UK

 

[wingcommander]

Whats your reason behind not wanting the slip into pocket type? From someone who spend most of my days kneeling/ doubled over (heating engineer before the minds start wandering) ,the type that slip into pre formed knee pockets on work trousers are far superior. The strap on type will dig into the back of your knee, you will forget to wear them ( until you have knelt on that screw head). The former also in my opinion make great sailing wear also and once your accustomed to them they will keep your knees nice n warm preventing uncle Arthritis.

 

[Minerva]

A couple of seasons ago I splashed out on some Uvex work dungarees with fitted knee pads. They are very, very good indeed; proper quality PPE stuff and not too expensive either. Worth a consideration. Makes working in the engine bay so much more pleasant

 

[Daydream believer]

Spinlock dinghy ones are quite comfortable. Strap on ones ride up with the trousers & the straps dig in. Spinlock neoprene can be put under the trousers. . Same with a pair of Gill ones. I have used them on my Phantom dinghy, which is a killer on the knees down wind. You could put a couple of stitches through them to hold them in the right place over a pair of old trousers

Must admit that I have never tried it as I have the sponge from a 4 inch thick cushion. I have a piece on my boat & on in the back of the van. Not too big, so it will fit down the side deck or in a space inside the boat. I also use them when antifouling the keel so i can kneel on the stoney ground Ok .They are tied to a length of cord so they do not go over the side on a windy day.

 

[Refueler]

Why not get a Gardeners kneeling pad ? Single pad that doesn't need fixing or inserting into anything ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kneeling-Pads-Gardening/s?k=Kneeling+Pads+for+Gardening

 

[Poignard]

I use a kneeling pad like this

22mm Mechanic's Kneeling Mat EVA | S08563 | 1 year Warranty | Sealey

 

[johnalison]

Why not get a Gardeners kneeling pad ? Single pad that doesn't need fixing or inserting into anything ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kneeling-Pads-Gardening/s?k=Kneeling+Pads+for+Gardening

Mine are from B&Q and are of a distinctly un-yotty shade of green.

 

[pandos]

Definitely get the pants with pockets...I tried all kinds and find them to be great. I've added additional padding made from a sleeping mat.

Alas I am too late to avoid needing a new knee...sooner rather than later...

 

[William_H]

For a different idea. Select your favourite working pants. Mark or measurre where the pressure is when you are kneeling. You probably have old jeans /dungaree pants or similar that can be cut up to make padding patches. Sew them into place either outside or inside with a sewing machine. 3 or 4 layers should be doable with domestic machine and should make a huge difference to comfort. ol'will

 

[Graham376]

I got my knee pads from builder's merchants but mostly use a 4" foam pad these days which I found in a skip, it's the interior of a suite cushion.

 

[ashtead]

Thoughts go to screwfix on such topics -strap on pads for laying patio or gardening work but surely trousers fitted pockets way to go -maybe Milwaukee do upmarket versions but that Uvex suggestion would be worth a try -a photo in action might help here.

 

[Boathook]

Many years ago I tried the knee pads that went into the pockets on trousers. Quite good to start with but soon 'wore' out. Then purchased a pair of hard shell kneeler from wickes. Worked very well. Now on my second pair.
I have also purchased a kneeling pad from screwfix that is good having seen the guys renovating my flat using them. Very light, so if used outdoors care needs to be taken if windy.

 

[KevinV]

If you insist on strap on jobbies then skateboard pads are great - hard shell on the outside, and nice thick padding. They come with wide elasticated cuffs that don't cut like straps do, and in multiple sizes.

I wear them snowboarding but they're too warm for me for work - I prefer camping mattress in knee pockets for that

 

[RunAgroundHard]

I use kneepads a lot. Buy low cost with good foam and hard cap. Buy about 10 sets. They do wear out and split. Soft caps are no good in my experience fir long durations, the hard cap spreads the load. I just buy whatever is on Amazon or in local hardware store.

 

[Concerto]

Having kneeled too much over the years and suffering from housemaid's knee multiple times, I use some DeWalt knee pads and can recommend them. The exact ones I use have been superceded, but Screwfix do some similar. Not the cheapest but worth paying to protect your knees.

https://www.screwfix.com/c/safety-workwear/knee-pads/cat850426?brand=dewalt

 

[Halo]

I bought some Musto ones ready for the ArC race. Did not find them comfortable at all.
For jobs I find my old sofa cushion perfect except if the space is restricted in which case I use an old towel folded up.
To preserve your knees I recommend a daily dose of glucosamine and chondritin. Several friends of mine have found this beneficial over the medium term