Researchers have developed an “inverted” drill press that cuts by nearly 90% the stress overhead drilling puts on shoulders, arms and hands.

Led by Dr. David Rempel, a University of California medicine and bioengineering professor, and funded through national labor and safety grants, researchers recently tested the device with craft workers in California, Oregon and Washington. Testers drilled overhead holes using a hammer drill and then the drill press. The hammer drill required workers to reach overhead and push upward with 55 lb of force; the hand-wheel-operated press took only 5.8 lb, a reduction of 89.5%.