Most wheelchairs have brakes to help users stop easily and safely. However, on occasion, the...
Most wheelchairs have brakes to help users stop easily and safely.
However, on occasion, the wheelchair you use may not brake or stop as well as it should.
Or perhaps you are looking to modify your wheelchair so that you can tighten the brakes yourself when they become loose.
If this sounds like what you need right now, then read on.
In this article, we will show how to tighten a wheelchair brake from scratch by learning some essential Do-It-Yourself techniques and tips.
What Can Cause Wheelchair Brakes to Become Loose?
If you are wondering how to tighten wheelchair brakes, it may be because you notice that they are beginning to feel loose.
This can be caused by a number of things. Here are some common things that may cause loose wheelchair brakes.
Dirty or Corroded Brakes – If the wheelchair brakes are not cleaned or maintained often, they will become rusted. This rust can cause the brakes to become loose and ineffective.
Loose Parts – If your wheelchair has loose parts, such as nuts and bolts, and a loose or broken spring, the brakes may become loose. If this is the case, you will have to tighten the nuts or replace the spring.
Poorly Adjusted Brakes – Sometimes the brake adjustment may be too loose or too tight. This can cause the brakes to become loose. Look at the manual to see how to fix this.
Wheelchair with No Drum Brakes – If your wheelchair does not have drum brakes, this can cause the brakes to become loose. You will need to replace your brakes with drum brakes.
How To Tighten Wheel Chair Brakes From Scratch
First, check the manual for the wheelchair to see how to tighten the brakes. The manual can usually be found online. If you don’t have a manual, you can also take the wheelchair to your local repairman.
Next, you will want to remove the wheel from the wheelchair. If you don’t know how to remove the wheel, it’s best to ask your repairman.
Now, look at the brake assembly. You should see a nut or bolt that holds the brakes in place. If you don’t know how to tighten wheelchair brakes, this is a good place to start.
Once you loosen the nut or bolt, the brakes should become loose. You will then want to turn the nut or bolt in the opposite direction until the brakes are tight again.
You will have to move the brake assembly to make sure the brakes are tightened. You can do this by tilting the wheel so the tire is off the ground. Make sure the wheel is facing forward.
Make sure the nut or bolt is tightened enough so the brakes don’t become loose again. If the brakes are still too tight, you can loosen them a little.
How To Fix Drum Brakes On A Wheelchair
If your wheelchair has drum brakes, you will need to tighten them from time to time. It’s best to get into the habit of checking the brakes every week or two. This can help you catch any loose brakes before they get out of hand.
If you find that the drum brakes are loose, you will want to tighten them. You can do this by manually turning a drum that is attached to the wheel. You can find instructions in the wheelchair manual. If you don’t have a drum brake manual, you can also ask your repairman.
Once you have tightened the drum brakes, you will want to make sure they stay that way. You can do this by regularly checking the drum brakes from then on.
If you find that the drum brakes are too tight, you can loosen them. You can do this by manually turning a drum that is attached to the wheel. You can find instructions in the wheelchair manual. If you don’t have a drum brake manual, you can also ask your repairman.
How To Fix Coaster Brake Wheelchairs
If your wheelchair has a coaster brake, you will need to tighten the brakes from time to time. It’s best to get into the habit of checking the brakes every week or two. This can help you catch any loose brakes before they get out of hand.
If you find that the brake is loose, you will want to tighten it. To do this, turn the wheel so the tire faces forward. You will generally see a nut at the back of the wheel. You can turn this nut in either direction until the brake feels tight.
Once you have tightened the coaster brake, you will want to make sure it stays that way. You can do this by regularly checking the coaster brake from then on.
If you find that the coaster brake is too tight, you can loosen it. To do this, turn the wheel so the tire faces backward. You will generally see a nut at the back of the wheel. You can turn this nut in either direction until the brake feels loose.
How To Fix Hand Brakes On A Wheelchair
If your wheelchair has hand brakes, you will need to tighten the brakes from time to time. It’s best to get into the habit of checking the brakes every week or two. This can help you catch any loose brakes before they get out of hand.
If you find that the hand brake is loose, you will want to tighten it. To do this, push the brake bar until you feel resistance. You generally have to push the brake bar all the way to the top.
Once you have tightened the hand brake, you will want to make sure it stays that way. You can do this by regularly checking the hand brake from then on.
If you find that the hand brake is too tight, you can loosen it. To do this, push the brake bar until you feel resistance. You generally have to push the brake bar all the way to the top.
Conclusion
Everyone who uses a wheelchair would love to have the ability to tighten their wheelchair brakes from scratch whenever they want.
Unfortunately, not all wheelchair users are able to do this. If you don’t know how to tighten your wheelchair brakes, you will want to make sure you ask for help.
Anyone who uses a wheelchair can benefit from learning how to tighten wheelchair brakes. This will help you save money and get more use out of your wheelchair.
You may also be able to have a hand in repairing your wheelchair yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tighten a wheelchair handle?
The process of tightening the handles of a wheelchair depends on the make and model. The most common type is to unscrew the handle nut by turning it counterclockwise, then slide the handle into position and re-tighten the nut in a clockwise direction. Some wheelchairs require an Allen wrench to tighten or loosen them, while some newer wheelchairs use a quick-release lever. Consult the manual for your specific wheelchair to determine the method of tightening or loosening its handles. If you don’t have access to the manual, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
How do you lock the brakes on a wheelchair?
The process of locking the wheels of a wheelchair depends on the make and model. Most wheelchairs come equipped with hand brakes located near the handles, which can be used to lock both rear wheels simultaneously. Some wheelchairs may have an additional foot brake that locks one or both rear wheels at once.
How do you adjust wheelchair wheel locks?
Most wheelchairs come equipped with adjustable locking mechanisms, which can be adjusted to provide varying levels of resistance when turning. The adjustment screws are typically located underneath the frame near the wheels that need adjustment. To adjust them, use an Allen key or screwdriver to turn the screws clockwise to increase resistance or counterclockwise to decrease resistance. It is important to ensure that the locks are not too tight as this can damage the wheelchair’s wheels and bearings.
It is important to ensure the wheelchair brakes are secure at all times. Whenever you get in or out of the chair, check that the brakes are locked and engaged. It’s also important to check the brakes regularly to make sure they are functioning properly as worn or damaged components can lead to an unsafe situation.
Tiny Nair, MD, DM, FACC, FRCP, is a cardiologist and head of Dept of Cardiology at PRS Hospital in Trivandrum. He is also an author, fluent in Middle English and offers consultations on finding the best wheelchair according to individual needs.
