Why don't the manufacturers fix these things? Obviously something must be done because every walker (zimmer frame for you UK-ers) I've ever seen has had tennis balls stuck to the feet.
2007-12-20 02:55:29 · 19 answers · asked by Gen•X•er (I love zombies!) 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I think the point all the answers are missing so far is why manufacturers don't manufacture the walkers with something that helps it glide and not scratch floors to begin with. Correct me if i'm wrong, but that IS what your main point is right? And I think the simplest of answers to that is because there are different uses for the walkers, and its main purpose is to be sturdy for people who need a sturdy walker that wont slide around. Those who prefer using tennis balls have the option to do so, however the manufacturers have the obligation of making it sturdy and safe by default, especially for slippery floors.
2007-12-20 03:11:44 · answer #1 · answered by A Ked 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are absolutely correct! The manufacturers of these walkers really should be making efforts to fix these things. The tennis balls are simply used to keep the walkers from sliding out from under the weight of the people who use them to walk and also possibly to keep the walkers from scarring the floor. It seems such a simple thing to fix. I'm sure if an effort was made to correct this at the manufacturing companies, the effect would provide more safety and protection than can be done with the tennis balls alone.
2007-12-20 03:06:09 · answer #2 · answered by froggsfriend 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tennis balls are added to the walker feet mainly to help the feet glide on harder surfaces without scratching the floor. Most people buy tennis balls, cut an "X" into the ball with a box cutter and then slip them on the walker. Even though walker manufacturers have not addressed this themselves, there are after market companies that make pre-made tennis balls that are specifically made to attach to the walker. Check out Drive Tennis Ball Walker Glides.
2015-08-21 08:42:23 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked at many nursing homes and cut up perfectly good tennis balls to put on walkers. This was to stop the metal legs of the walker from scratching the floors. It's much cheaper and quicker than trying to pry off the rubber stoppers on the walker. It's faster to run to a store to get tennis balls than it is to order, and wait in vain for the replacement walker stoppers to arrive.
2007-12-20 02:59:41 · answer #4 · answered by Clipper 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The tennis balls help the walker glide better. Manufacturers put plastic tips on so that the walker will land firmly. For the elderly with carpet in their homes, in particular, that can be difficult. The tennis balls ease movement as in unsupported walking.
2007-12-20 02:58:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
LOL to all of your answers.... You really make me feel old for knowing this. They put them there to give them a better grip. The little plastic things on the end tend to slip and slide out of control which can be disastrous for older people. The tennis balls help keep them from falling down.
2007-12-20 03:01:28 · answer #6 · answered by Leslie 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
this is an interesting question so I guess I owe you a star. Though I'm not elderly and hardly a senior citizen I love to visit here. I'm come around sometime soon to see the view of others.
2007-12-20 03:00:41 · answer #7 · answered by Rhythm of the Falling Rain 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
they scratch up floors and they make an awful noise on hardwood floors
FROGGS you are absolutely incorrect the tennis balls make it slide easier on carpet, but once you hit hard floors it slides like crazy. the rubber stoppers are kinda like suction cups but not to that extent
2007-12-20 03:32:20 · answer #8 · answered by Rusty Shackleford 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It makes it a little easier to move AND it keeps the rubber tips from leaving marks on the floors.....
2007-12-20 14:10:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of elementary schools put them on chairs too, at least around here, so that they don't squeak or screech when they're sliding.
2007-12-20 02:59:50 · answer #10 · answered by She Knows Why 1 · 4⤊ 0⤋