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How To Select A Great Back Scratcher
Sounds pretty simple, doesn't it? Just go buy a back scratcher. Well there is more to it than that and there are a lot of products that are basically junk out there to
sort through. Here is what we suggest you look for when you are buying a back scratcher:
| Length: |
A back scratcher needs to be long enough to reach any part of your back
without having to over-extend your shoulder, elbow or wrist. In particular, this
means a good back scratcher needs to be longer than you might think - a length of
18-22" will be required by most adult users. |
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| Edge Width: |
The back scratcher's scratching edge needs to be wide enough to scratch
well and also to be stable on your back - if the scratcher edge is too narrow it will tend
to roll and only make contact with a corner or the side. |
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| Edge Height: |
This is an area where many back scratchers, even ones that are otherwise
well designed, fail. A back scratcher is a leverage device and you must press down
for it to work properly. This means it must have a long enough handle with the
scratcher edge significantly above the handle - generally the greater the edge height the
more robust the scratch. If the scratching edge height is too shallow the scratcher
will hit your shoulder or force you to strain your shoulder and hyperextend your elbow
backwards as you try to press the scratcher edge down on your back. Many back
scratchers use a popular brass, hand shaped scratcher head (see below) which threads onto
a round handle. Because of the arch of the "fingers" it has essentially no edge
height at all - very pretty but not very effective at scratching your back! |
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| Construction: |
The back scratcher's scratching edge should be very firmly attached to the
shaft; one piece construction with the scratcher edge integral to the shaft is even
better. Beware of back scratchers that have a shaft with the scratcher edge glued or
threaded on as that connection will be the first place that your back scratcher will
likely become loose or break outright. |
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| Handle: |
Another thing you need is a good handle so you can get a good grip and
exert even downward pressure while using the back scratcher. |
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| "Scratchability": |
If you think you will need to use your back scratcher "in
public" look for a back scratcher that is strong enough and substantial enough to
scratch through light clothing. Some lighter back scratchers may work on bare skin but
they are not very effective through any layers of clothing. |
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| Appearance: |
Last on the list is appearance. Your back scratcher may be visible
somewhere in your home or office so you might as well buy something that is not an
embarrassment or which looks like it belongs out in the garage. |
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