HELP! I need to winterize my walker; "handy" DU'ers please help!

[zanne]

I have to find a way to provide traction to these 3" wheels so I can walk outside this winter. Even though the streets are plowed, there's always a little snow left (and ice), and I don't want to have to hibernate all winter.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Found this idea online

Also if you use a walker that has wheels please remember that slippery conditions apply in winter weather and the wheeled tips are an added danger. For safety considerations, might we suggest that an adaptation be implemented if the front tips are wheels – purchase a container of tennis balls and have or cut them yourself into a ½ slit and slide the ball over the wheel. The tennis ball will still permit you to use the walker to push wheel forward but they do not slip as quickly as do wheels on the walker.
http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:sN35g-aglkkJ:www.helpusafety.org/images/2002winterbrochure.doc+medical+walker+winter+wheels&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&gl=us

[Solly Mack]

2. You could try Snow Grip , "liquid snow chains" for wheels, to include walkers

You spray it on the wheels for traction...

http://www.alwaysbrilliant.com/aa/aspx-products/1-2756/2-53198/SC-Froogle/kw-16662/bb/Traction-Tire-Spray.htm

Or Tire/Shoe grip..also a spray on

http://www.sigmaauto.com/winterdriving/tyregrip/tyregrip.php

Hope this helps

[lizziegrace]

3. Does it come off eventually or does it make your tires and walker

tips "snow tires"? Thom could use this on his scooter, but I don't want the wheels to be knobby all year.

[Solly Mack]

5. It wears off over time - depending on how active the wheels are.

and any leftover adhesive sticky can be cleaned off with Goo Gone.

My BIL uses a walker he can also sit on - so the weight of his body allows for greater wear/pressure, and the stuff comes off faster

We tried self-adhesive velcro...leaves residue when it comes off....but even that came off with some cleaning.

We're working on a studded covering now....I'm using a steering wheel cover - the inexpensive ones that come with a lacing string...I'm going to try both small studs as well as those steel beaded necklaces in the lacing to see which works best.

Winters aren't that bad where he lives and that also makes a difference.

Hope this helps!

[zanne]

13. My walker is the type with a seat, too.

But I could just reapply the stuff when I have to. If it works, it'll definitely be worth it.

[Solly Mack]

15. I'm glad I could help!!!

My BIL has the "Mighty Mack" (rather tall and large man) and he uses the Snow Grip.

[zanne]

10. Thank you! I ALWAYS get my questions answered by someone on DU!

I'm going to order some. I didn't know that stuff existed. Can't wait to try it. Thanks again!

[Solly Mack]

14. You're most welcome!!! I hope it helps!

:hi:

[flvegan]

4. If you had the resources

and it were for "outside walks only", I'd get a spare walker and drive nails into the tires that were slightly longer than the depth of the rubber. The nail heads would make for great grip in the snow/ice I'd think. But then, I'm a loon.

Careful on any floors with it, though.

[Orrex]

6. In other words, get a bunch of studs to help you with your walker.

[flvegan]

7. A bunch of studs could just carry her in an emperor's chair.

:eyes:

[Sentath]

16. A nice palanquin perhaps

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litter_(vehicle)">wikipedia

[zanne]

9. Yeah...I have to use it indoors, too. But a great idea! nt

[Inchworm]

8. Would flat boards work as skis?

Then something pokey on the pole part to grip the ground.

Thats basically what a snowmobile is except it has a motor as a "pokey" thing :)

:shrug:

Then again, I may just be all geeked on coffee with a derailed imagination :)

:hi:

[flvegan]

11. Make them long enough to stand on and get sled dogs!

Mush!

[zanne]

12. Actually, that sounds like alot of fun for outdoors.....

But it'd be tricky once I went inside.