DIY Tennis Balls on Orthopedic Walker

Intro: DIY Tennis Balls on Orthopedic Walker

My grandma recently got a walker and she hates how difficult it is to turn sideways. I've seen other elderly people with tennis balls on their walkers, and assumed that this was the solution. It is :)

STEP 1: Materials

You'll need a box cutter, a tennis ball, and something to hold the tennis ball in place (I used my vise). Optional: A hammer and a nail to poke a hole before cutting with the box cutter.

STEP 2: Secure the Ball

Secure the tennis ball so that it doesn't move around when you're cutting it.

STEP 3: Hammer Time

Hammer the nail into the ball until you hear the air hiss out of the ball.

STEP 4: Remove the Nail

Take the nail out of the ball.

STEP 5: Cut the Ball

Cut a line starting at the hole. The size of this line will depend on the size of the walker's legs. I cut a line about 2 inches in length.

STEP 6: Make an X

Cut another line to make an X shape.

STEP 7: X Cut

This is what it should look like.

STEP 8: Put the Ball on the Walker's Legs

Push the ball onto the walker's legs, pull back so that the flaps open up, and push it back in so that it is secure.

STEP 9: Done

You're done!

Comments

[LoriD37]

Great job your instructions were easy to understand. The only question I have (don't laugh) bit do you take off the rubber stoppers before you shove the tennis balls on? Keep up the good work

[wlj2015]

No need to remove the stoppers, they fit just fine and are handy to have in case you ever need to remove the tennis balls.

[foxfriend2017]

Before putting the ball in the vise, wrap a paper towel around it. The vise jaws are probably dirty and will mess up the ball.

[foxfriend2017]

If the nail doesn't work, I would use a drill with a 1/8" bit.

[Markkempe312]

Thanks for the tip! Without this, he upturns the throw rugs and other things in his way. My 91 year old Pop likes the idea! You rock! Great presentation!

[Tcouet]

I took a big bag stuffed w tennis balls to my Dads nursing home, the Physical Therapy dept was thrilled!
The next visit , there was tennis balls on EVERYTHING!! A great way to re use old balls.

[amberrayh]

Great first Instructable. Thanks for sharing!