could always manage because I could use at least part of my hand when those things happened.

Not sure how well I'd do now with carpet tunnel surgery and the RA in my hands. As it is, I can't open anything. Have to use jar-opening tool, but it requires 2 hands. Left to hold an object and the right to get the cover in the right position and then use the tool to twist or lift off.

Can't you tie a plastic bag around your hand/wrist and use elastics to close them tightly around your splint? I've done that many times and it works well!