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Wheelchair Parts - Simple Do-It-Yourself Wheelchair Repair

View PDF | Print View | Html View Written by: Nan Bobby
Total views: 18 | Word Count: 483 | Date: Tue, 8 Sep 2009 | 0 comments

A wheelchair that functions well is necessary for the safety and mobility of the wheelchair user. To make certain that the wheelchair always works at peak performance, regular maintenance, adjustments to various parts, and even periodic repairs will be necessary. Being familiar with each of the wheelchair parts and their function is also important. This article will share some easy wheelchair repairs that you can do on your own, along with some suggestions for how to make them.

To begin with, become familiar with your wheelchair, whether manual or power, and learn all aspects of your chair. Learn how each part functions. Knowing how the wheelchair should work will help you to be aware when a change occurs.

Whether at home or away from home, it is helpful to have a wheelchair repair kit available at all times. In the words of the Boy Scouts, "be prepared". You can make this simple kit with items such as a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pliers, and a tire-changing kit. So if a problem occurs, you need to tighten a bolt or screw, or perhaps change a tire, with your repair kit, you will be prepared.

So what are some simple wheelchair repairs you can make on your own?

* Check to see if there are any adjustable straps of the back of the wheelchair. Over time, they may become loose, and will need adjusting.

* The seat upholstery may sag over time, which an affect your posture. You can fix the sag on some types of sling seat upholstery by removing one side from the frame, pulling the material tight, and then replacing the sling seat.

* It is not unusual for there to be problems involving the caster axles. Things like hair and thread often get caught, which interfere with the regular movement of the wheelchair. Repair this easily by removing the caster using two wrenches. One is used to hold the axle bolt in place and the other to unscrew the nut. (Do not lose the 2 small spacers located on either side of the wheel.) At this point, it is fairly simple to use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean the caster, and then replace it again.

* Always clean your wheelchair regularly, by using a microfiber cloth to clean away dust and dirt particles.

* While a number of repairs are fairly easy to do yourself, for your protection, do not try to replace any 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.

About the Author

N. Bobby was caregiver & advocate for her aging parents for nearly a decade, and has experienced many of the difficulties experienced by adult children who care for their aging parents. She provides a learning center on caring for the aging and disabled at Aging Parent Conversations. Before you replace any wheelchair parts, learn more about simple wheelchair parts repair.