I need a mat to stand on for reloading

[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.

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-...L9J6/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]

Mat

http://www.gelpro.com

 

[LiveLife]

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-C...0000003260370&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>

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

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

 

[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-C...0000003260370&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-Sup...fier-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]

Stall mat

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.

 

[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.

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

 

[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.