How to Straighten Bent Forks on a Wheelchair

Wheelchairs can suffer damage when in motion and require repair.

Wheelchairs provide mobility to millions of people with paralysis or other medical conditions that weaken their legs or spine. The wheelchair needs to be operating optimally so the the user can get around as simply as possible. The forks that hold a wheelchair wheel can become bent if they collide with a door frame or another barrier while the chair is in motion. Fortunately, you can straighten bent forks on wheelchair wheels with a few simple tools.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Induction heater
• Protective gloves

Instructions

1. Prop the wheelchair up on a jack so the fork is in the air without any pressure on it.

2. Wrap the wire of an induction heater in a coil around the bent portion of the wheelchair fork. The wire is frequently made out of an insulated copper.

3. Plug in the induction heater and turn it on. The heater uses electricity to generate heat into the coil, which then transitions that heat into the wheelchair fork.

4. Wear protective gloves and slowly manipulate the bent fork by either pushing or pulling it back into the position you need once the heat has made it pliable. Avoid touching the coil itself since it could still burn you through the gloves.

5. Turn off the heater and unplug it. Allow the fork to cool before taking the wire off. As it cools, it will harden into its permanent position.

Tips & Warnings

• The wheel should be removed from the wheelchair when using the induction heater for best results.

References

• John Dearmond: Using an Induction Heater -- Trike Repair
• Ameritherm: Induction Heating Fundamentals
• Cruzio: Information for Wheelchair Users