Bike builders thumb- Occupational hazard?

I'm right handed, but my left thumb, the one that pushes the brake pad or holds the cable is KILLING me... this last build was a real pain, especially adjusting brakes on the road test.

A customer who has built/repaired a lot of bikes, but just got his first engines for him and his wife, told me yesterday his thumb always ached too.

How do the professionals bike builders cope? Or is it just grin and bear it?

ive found vodka and the occasion j seems to help.

I gotta build more bikes, because my thumb doesn't hurt at all!

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When the passion outweighs the pain, the project gets done lol. As for me, I cut the end of my left thumb off a couple years ago on a table saw while making a bay window for a custom doghouse. The doctors managed to put it back together (amazing) and it still works, but the nerves are still kinda messed up.....anyway, I guess after a couple of years I tolerate it if I can't find a suitable tool to spare my fingers/thumb.

could try something like this...

Spooky Tooth Cycles - Motorized Bicycles: Gas Powered and Electric Bikes - Pedro's 4th Hand Tool - Cable Puller