[HK SD9 Tactical]

As the title says, I need a mat to stand on. I have severe (narcotic type) back pain and feet problems (from all those years in the military) and I need something that will alleviate some of the pain while I am standing at my reloading bench. I have a chair (bar stool) but I can not always sit all the time. My bench measures 6' in length so I need something about 2' wide by 5' to 6' long. And NO, I do not reload while taking pain killers - that is a recepie for disaster. :eek:

There are literally hundreds of different mats out there but before I buy, I would like some members input as to what they find most comfortable to stand on while reloading.

My concrete floor (spare room in the house - I live in Florida so no basement for me, just a concrete slab that the house is built on) has stick-em 12" X 12" linoleum (or similar) tiles on it and I want something to place on top of the floor tile to ease the pain of standing.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Moderators: If this should have been posted elsewhere, please move the thread.

[BigN]

I had the same problem at the bench. I bought 2 thick carpet pcs about 2' x 2' each and put them on top of one another. Soft spot to stand on...

[Quoheleth]

I have back, hip and foot problems so I understand what you mean. While I usually sit at a shop stool, sometimes standing just works better. My father-in-law bought me some foam pieces that interlock - looks like these but black http://www.amazon.com/interlocking-exercise-flooring-racetrack-tradeshow/dp/B0031QL9J6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1309007982&sr=8-2

They are large squares, about 5/8" thick, soft, and make a huge difference when standing for a long time. I have a couple in front of my reloading/work bench and if I have long sessions in front of other power tools, I drop a couple in front of the tools. They are great for kneeling on the concrete and when gardening!

I've used another type before - more of a semi-ridgid rubber with holes cut through it. I don't like it as much. When I worked at a car garage, I had one that was foam under a water resistant, non-skid surface. It was great but expensive.

Lowes and Home Depot have a few to see and try. An office supply place might have some as well.

Q

[cassaro]

I have used the interlocking play mats that you can buy at Sam's Club. They are multi-colored on one side and black on the other. I believe the cost is around $20-$25.

[dbarnhart]

http://www.gelpro.com

[bds]

My bench measures 6' in length so I need something about 2' wide by 5' to 6' long.
Here's 20"x60" anti fatigue runner ($69 Walmart) - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lattice-Chef-Mat-Brown/14895268?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14895268


I have severe (narcotic type) back pain and feet problems (from all those years in the military) and I need something that will alleviate some of the pain while I am standing at my reloading bench. I have a chair (bar stool) but I can not always sit all the time.
Bar stool? How about a comfy over-stuffed office chair alleviate your pain?

I switched to reloading on a comfy office chair and in the comforts of AC/heat controlled interiors of the house years ago (instead of the hot/cold garage - Yuck!) - I mean, a man SHOULD be the king of his humble castle right? <looks around for his wife> :D

Here's a 2'x3' portable "sit down" castered bench I use for both pistol and rifle (including military .308).

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=140524&stc=1&d=1302984028
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=140527&stc=1&d=1302984132
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=140526&stc=1&d=1302984132

Here's a 2'x4' portable "sit down" castered bench used for case sorting and reloading on LCT.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=140214&stc=1&d=1302453374

[ranger335v]

Take a look at the back-packers sleeping mats sold at Walmart, etc.

[Sarge756]

Solution for me was the same one I used on my boat. Running a center console offshore standing at the wheel was taking a toll .The marine stores have a closed cell foam pad that works great but is a bit pricey. I`m in Florida too and we have plenty of swimming pools.Look for one of the closed cell floats that are sold at pool supply outlets and you can cut several pads from it.My neighbor who trades cars when the wiper fluid runs low tossed a float in the trash.It lives on behind the console on the boat and two benches in the shop.Lord! I`m a greenie and didn`t know it. Joe

[armarsh]

The ones at Sears are excellent.

http://community.craftsman.com/Craftsman-Anti-Fatigue-Workshop-Mat-review-98c6

[Cherokee]

I use carpet with a pad underneath.

[gamestalker]

Many business's that require the clerk or worker to stand for most of their shift have rubber type floor mats to stand on for that very reason you are describing. I have been in retail for about 40 years and have been using these mats since the beginning.
Locating them isn't hard. Restaurant supply houses and probably Home Depot and other type business's sell them. They aren't cheap though.

[Puddin99]

Harborfreight sells them. 4 squares for $10. Interlocking.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-94635.html

[HK SD9 Tactical]

http://www.gelpro.com
Those surgical mats are expensive. May I can get the VA to pay for it as my back is rater as service connected. I'll have to check on that.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Here's 20"x60" anti fatigue runner ($69 Walmart) - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lattice-Chef-Mat-Brown/14895268?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14895268


I saw that WallyWorld one but there is not one local so I would have to order it. There are better oues out there for the same price that are of a far better construction/quality.

I looked at this one: http://www.americanfloormats.com/deluxe-softstep-anti-fatigue-mat/ which is 2'X5"X5/8" thick and has free shipping. Nice yellow border too (not that it matters).

Bar stool?


A bar stool is next as well as a magnifer light. I just build a bench (I was working off my desk) and I am 6"2" so I built the old NRMA (man is that heavy) without the top storage and on top of that, I raised my presses and additional 2" so now the overall height is almost 48". So I'll need a pretty high bar stool next. Have one of those leather massage heat combo desk chairs. Reloading sitting down is just too painful.

The light and magnifier is for examining cases and to help these tired eyes. Need some good light on the bench as well. Like to examine my cases very closely as I use a bunch of once fired. Some of them are pretty pesky cases. Thinking of this: http://www.overstock.com/Office-Supplies/Grandrich-44-inch-Magnifier-Architect-Task-Lamp/4680455/product.html or something very similar. I want the 5 diopter.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

I use carpet with a pad underneath.
I'll have to try that once I get the mat and if the mat doesn't do what it is suppose to do.

Thanks

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Take a look at the back-packers sleeping mats sold at Walmart, etc.
I think I have one of those around somewhere. This may be an option in the interim and I might not have to buy a fatigue mat.

Good thought.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Many business's that require the clerk or worker to stand for most of their shift have rubber type floor mats to stand on for that very reason you are describing. I have been in retail for about 40 years and have been using these mats since the beginning.
Locating them isn't hard. Restaurant supply houses and probably Home Depot and other type business's sell them. They aren't cheap though.
I have to go to Home Depot later today. I'll check on them while I am there.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Harborfreight sells them. 4 squares for $10. Interlocking.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-94635.html
While I do purchase items at HF (just got my dual drum rotary tumbler there) for SS cleaning of my range brass, I had an opportunity to check on these mats. Not thick enough for me and not a very good quality. But thanks for the link.

[Oathkeeper1775]

I had some 20 X 48" scraps of 5/8" stallmats laying around.

I've been keeping my eyes open for those grey ones I see the cashiers standing on.

I wish my whole house was linned with that playground rubber stuff.

I feel your pain, thankyou for your svc.

[Jim Watson]

My whole shop floor is done in that interlocking rubber, the industrial grade made out of recycled tires. Not as soft as some, but tough.

I have a very soft rubber mat in the kitchen, bought at Bed Bath & Beyond, that is good to stand on to work in there; so that is another place you could shop.

[natgas]

I picked up a couple of gel mats from HD for $20 each. Lots of cushion and they retain their shape.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

thankyou for your svc.

You're welcome.:o

[HK SD9 Tactical]

I think that that is the same stuff they use in restaurants for cooks. Those are just too hard. Need something with a bit more cushioning.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

I picked up a couple of gel mats from HD for $20 each. Lots of cushion and they retain their shape.

I'll check on those as well. Going to be a t HD for awhile.:eek:

My pockets always seem to empty while I'm there.:uhoh:

[highlander 5]

Before I retired the shop I worked at got such things from a company called Grainger's and they have all kinds of safety equipment,floor mats and the like. They may have what you're looking for.

[Beancounter81]

I have one of these and it's pretty comfortable.

http://www.uline.com/BL_1752/Cadillac-Mats

[GW Staar]

http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad195/gstrad/Bench%20Remodel/IMG_0430.jpg

1/2" Foam interlocking tiles from Sam's Club covers my entire garage....which isn't used as a garage anymore. Reloading along two walls, storage on the other walls, and weight-lifting equipment in the center. It works better than I imagined. Besides being really soft to stand on, it insulats the floor in the winter and I spend all winter in bare feet when I reload. Toasty warm...love it after a hard day in work boots. The wintertime temperature in the garage is a huge improvement as it insulates the cold from the concrete floor and keeps it out of the room.

Minuses? There is one thing...the tiles eventually grow in walkways, and cause "bubbles" that are aggravating, so I keep a couple of packs in stock to replace the few that grow....usually in 18 months to 24 months. The ones not in overused walkways last and last. Also my chair doesn't slide as well as on concrete....that's a fault way worth putting up with....one thing's for sure...it doesn't slide out from under me.:)

It's double-sided so if you don't like the colors, turn it over...its grey on the other side.

BTW, it doubles as a pad to do floor exercises on.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod3310384&searchTerm=foam%20floor%20tile

[oneounceload]

Sam's club had a package of 6 or 8 pieces tat fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. colors on one side for day care use. The other side is black for garage use. Safe enough for kids to fall on, works great


Added:

Looks like GW beat me to it - what he is showing is what I was talking about

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

Make sure there is no static electricity build-up when moving around on that new mat!

[kelbro]

I use the interlocking mats and have found that a good pair of running shoes helps a lot.

[Overkilll0084]

I have used the interlocking play mats that you can buy at Sam's Club. They are multi-colored on one side and black on the other. I believe the cost is around $20-$25.

Ditto. For the money they work great. They are surprisingly durable as well. I covered the entire floor of my shop area with them. They are holding up well.

[cfullgraf]

Here's 20"x60" anti fatigue runner ($69 Walmart) - http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lattice-Chef-Mat-Brown/14895268?sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=14895268



Bar stool? How about a comfy over-stuffed office chair alleviate your pain?

I switched to reloading on a comfy office chair and in the comforts of AC/heat controlled interiors of the house years ago (instead of the hot/cold garage - Yuck!)



Like bds, I sit in heated/air conditioned comfort when reloading.

It did not take long to figure out standing at a bench in a hot garage wasn't going to cut it.

[kingmt]

I manged retail for a while & the concert takes its toll on you. When we first started using the rubber pads i thought they was great but soon found they caused more problems.

I have found that if you have something just a few inches tall to rest one foot at a time on help a lot. If you build a small platform 4'x8' out of 2x4s & covered with 5/8" or 3/4" OSB it will be much easier to stand on. I you need it softer add carpet. Good shoes or boots help also.

[AK_Maine_iac]

I use the ones that are sold at restaurant supply places. the are the same as store clerks use. The same thing we used as meat cutters standing for hours on concrete floors none stop. Not sure if you have A&W wholesale in your area or not. They have them in two sizes. $45.00 { 24"x36" } and $65.00 { 36"x 72"} at least that was the price six years ago.

[Kevin Rohrer]

I got mine from Sears Hardware for $30 or $40. Very comfortable

http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/KevinRohrer/Reloading/IMG_0412.jpg

[mmorris]

I worked as a technical instructor for 25 years, and I was on my feet on concrete 6-9 hrs/day. I put the padding under my feet so I had a pad everywhere I walked.

SAS Shoes (San Antonio Shoemakers) were my choice for the last 15 years I taught. Out of the box they feel like the shoes you broke in with years of use. I said no break in time. They have the most comfortable interiors of any shoe I have ever had.

Point is, if you pad the floor you don't have any help in the parts of your shop that you don't pad. Pad your feet.

BTW, I had lower back surgery last year, and I got SAS shoes when they told me I had to fuse 3 vertebrae... I waited 17 years for a better surgical alternative. I feel the shoes helped a lot in the pain management area. YMMV

My choice for almost all the SAS I have owned (at least 12 pairs over the years): http://www.sasshoes.com/main/view_styles.php?catid=1&prodid=17

Mike

[HK SD9 Tactical]

I really appreciate all the input. I'll have my hands full for a couple of days checking out all this stuff that has been recommended.

Will take the recommendation for the shoes as well. The VA has given me inserts for my shoes that have been formed fitted to my feet. The literally s^&* and are about as useless as t&^* on a hog.

[fguffey]

If it hurts while I am reloading I am doing it wrong. AGAIN, I do not have a reloading bench, I use stands,, one is a base from an old cream separator with a steel plate mounted to the top, mounted to the plate are 4 Herter presses, a 'U', turret, super 3 and a 2 ram, all I need is a folding chair, beware of the plastic/cheap chairs, the plastic type chairs remind me of the song that goes something like " You picked a good time to leave me loose wheel".

Another stand I use is an old stand from a post type grinder that could be bolted to the floor, I have a rock chucker and 550 Dillon bolted to it, both stands allow me to work without effort on the back and or legs. I want the height of the work surface to suit me so I adjust it ranter than adjust to the height, not easy when we are talking about a lathe and other equipment.

F. Guffey

[Mike1234567]

*deleted* (duplicate post)

[Mike1234567]

Take a look at the back-packers sleeping mats sold at Walmart, etc.
+1... just bought one at a Mil-Surp store for $6.

[kelbro]

The VA has given me inserts for my shoes that have been formed fitted to my feet. The literally s^&* and are about as useless as t&^* on a hog.

Really? How long did you try them? They were quite uncomfortable at first and I almost tossed them. I have them in work shoes and boots and I can definitely tell a difference in low-back pain when I don't wear them.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Really? How long did you try them? They were quite uncomfortable at first and I almost tossed them. I have them in work shoes and boots and I can definitely tell a difference in low-back pain when I don't wear them.
For two years. Even went back a couple of times for re-fits and other adjustments.

The best inserts that I ever had were in my combat boots. The old style boots from back in the 70's. They were three quarters the length of my feet, made of leather with a rubber/silicone/something interior and the moulded to your feet over a period of a couple of weeks by the heat in your boots. God I wish I had another pair.

But for the record, my back pain in due to an injury in my mid back, around T6 through T8. It's complicated but I have very limited use with my arms and hands out in front of me because of this. Any stooping over is a big no no. Can't even do a couple of dishes or fold some clothes without having major issues. Two to three minutes of either of these, and I am toast.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Mike, is this the old style with the mat and attached egg carton foam or just the dense foam?

Thanks

[45ACPUSER]

Quit standing while reloading! Get a bar stool or draftsmans type of chair.
Problem solved.

[Mike1234567]

These are the flat closed cell foam type. That said, I've never seen any "true" closed cell foam... only far less porous foam.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

Quit standing while reloading! Get a bar stool or draftsmans type of chair.
Problem solved.
One is on the way. I still need an anti fatigue mat as well though. Not all things I will be doing on my bench will be reloading.

[Mike1234567]

One is on the way. I still need an anti fatigue mat as well though. Not all things I will be doing on my bench will be reloading.
I needed an anti-fatigue mat dealing with my ex. Now I don't need one... cuz she my ex. I got tired of reloading too.

[Ruger GP100 fan]

Several have mentioned wearing proper footwear and with good reason. You might even want to look into arch supports. And I give a great big +1 for a place to raise one foot . Takes a lot of stress off the back. Speaking of the back,a good lower back support belt can make a big difference,as well. The only downside...if overused your back muscles may begin to atrophy. Might even check out some good support stockings. Hey,under a pair of pants no one would be the wiser;) One other thing that occurred to me is some sort of foot exercise while standing like maybe rocking your weight from heal to toe and back. Or pressing your toes down hard against the soles of your shoes and releasing them over and over. Not only will exercising your feet reduce stress but it will also increase blood circulation.
Personally,I mounted my press to a heavy steel desk I picked up for $10 at a yard sale and I sit in a comfortable chair. If sitting for long periods causes back pain some kind of side bolstering can work wonders. There may be just such a thing available in the market with inflatable sides. I once had a car that had adjustable side bolstering and I loved it. Great for long trips...less work for your back holding you upright. Again,though...overuse may make your condition worse over time,but it is a real delight to have such a feature.

Hope something I've written helps. I,too,deal with chronic pain.

You did not go into much detail about your condition but I found a way to greatly reduce pain on my right side from the side of my face on down to the bottom of my backbone. My MD sent me to a pain clinic after he grew weary of my begging him for a script for narcotic meds and they told me about an anti-depressant that has been on the market for about 60 years that can work very well on pain they referred to as "systemic". It was a miracle worker in my case,having injured nerves in my neck in a car wreck over 40 years ago. The med is amitriptyline and just a fraction of the amount used for depression is prescribed. In my case I have for decades suffered with at least one day out of every week with pain so intense on the side of my face that it would nearly put me clear out of commission. It felt like the whole side of my face was raw nerves. Now with this med,no pain at all. And it is not addictive. Neither my MD nor any of his associates had ever heard of it being used for pain. I'm guessing that may also be true with a large number of MDs across the country. Can't hurt to ask.

[GW Staar]

I can relate to your problem. When I was 25 or so, I was covering a new roof with plywood on a calm day. A freak gust of wind caught the sheet of plywood I was carrying and yanked it and me backwards through an opening to a skylight. I fell about 16 ft to the concrete. The next thing I remember is being on a stretcher at the airport waiting for the air ambulance to take me to the closest big city hospital. I crushed two vertebrae in the same area as your injury, broke all the ribs on one side, clavicle, and dislocated that shoulder, plus had a head injury that scared the hell out of my wife. I was lucky I wasn't paralyzed from head to toe.....you are lucky too, as it could be worse!:) All the rest of the people on my hospital floor were dealing with paralysis.

The reason I relate this, is first to tell you that it gets better. I'm 61 years old now and I do most anything I want.....well except things most 61 year-olds can't do....;)

One thing that saved me was a wave-less waterbed with a lot of water in it to make it relatively firm. Either you will totally hate it or it be your best friend in this life...no in betweens. For me I love it.... it literally saved me from a life of pain. I quickly learned to roll off of it to get up. You may want to look into that. What a difference it made in how I feel every morning and all through the day....still!

Check out my first post, with the picture of the funny colored patch-work floor. That is a drafting stool with a spring-back which works great....my bench is 36" high and I never have to get up and down to the sitting position as I would if the bench and chair were lower.