Wheelchair Parts – Simple Do-It-Yourself Wheelchair Repair
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A well-functioning wheelchair is a necessity in the life, mobility, and safety of the user. Insuring that your wheelchair continues to function at peak performance requires regular maintenance, periodic adjustments, and occasional repairs. It is also important to have a familiarity with the various wheelchair parts on your chair, and their function. This article will explore some simple “do-it-yourself” repairs that you can make, and some tips and suggestions for how to do them.
To start, it is important to know your chair. Whether you have a manual or power chair, when you first buy your chair, take the time to become familiar with all aspects of your chair. Know how everything functions, and what each of the wheelchair parts do. Learning all about your new wheelchair will help you notice when changes occur, so that you can easily spot them.
Always have a wheelchair repair kit available, whether at home or away. As the Boy Scouts would say, “be prepared”. This simple kit can be made with items like a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a tire-changing kit. In this way, whether you have wheel problems, need to tighten a bolt or screw, or possibly change a tire, you will have the tools that you need.
So what are some simple wheelchair repairs you can make on your own?
* Are there adjustable straps on the back of the wheelchair? They may have become loose, and will need to be adjusted.
* One problem occurs when the seat upholstery sags over time, which can affect the posture of the wheelchair user. This can be adjusted on many types of wheelchairs by removing one side from the frame, pulling the material tight, and then replacing the seat.
* A common wheelchair problem involves the caster axles. Materials like hair and thread frequently get caught, which can impede normal movement of the chair. To repair, remove the caster using two wrenches: one holds the axle bolt in place and the other is used to unscrew the nut. (Be sure to keep track of the 2 small spacers located on either side of the wheel!) Then, simply use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean the caster, and then replace.
* Needless to say, regularly clean the wheelchair to remove dust and dirt particles. A microfiber cloth will do this job best.
* Lastly, while many repairs are simple and straightforward, do not attempt to replace an electric wheelchair part on your own.
Regular maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your wheelchair performing at it’s best, and reduce the need for costly repairs. Simple repairs can be done on your own however if you don’t feel you can handle preventative maintenance or repairing wheelchair parts on your own, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to assist you.
N. Bobby was caregiver & advocate for her aging mom and dad for nearly ten years, and has experienced many of the challenges of adult children who care for their aging mom and dad. She provides resources related to caring for the aging and disabled at Aging Parent Conversations. Before you replace any wheelchair parts, learn more about simple wheelchair parts repair.
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