How To Put Tennis Balls On A Walker? [Step By Step Guide in 2023]
In various movies, cartoons, and even live performances, tennis balls have been seen on walker wheels. A walker with tennis balls is practical despite movies and popular culture, but more on that below. Now let’s see how to put tennis balls on a walker before we move on to other matters.
You must cut an ‘x’ on two tennis balls with two-inch cuts on both of them in order to put tennis balls on a walker. You should only slash away from your fingers when cutting the ball with a utility knife. Place the tennis ball on a walker’s leg after squeezing the ball to open the hole.
In the end, there isn’t much more to it than that. Depending on the size of your walker’s legs, you may need to make longer cuts than one inch.
Here are step-by-step instructions and a video to illustrate how to properly do this to avoid any hand cuts.
How to Put Tennis Balls On a Walker?
As I see the same thing when searching online for information, I always like to answer straight. It is often necessary and expected to provide a more in-depth response. Take a look at my instructions below to learn how to do that!
- Gather the Required Items: Begin by gathering two tennis balls, a utility knife, and preferably cut protection gloves. To cut, you’ll also need a stable and secure surface.
- Start with a Tennis Ball: Grip the tennis ball firmly, but not too tightly, with your non-dominant hand. Ensure that a large area of the ball does not have any fingers attached to it.
- Knife Holding: For a safe and clean-cutting process, it is essential that you hold the knife correctly. You should extend your index finger on top of the knife, so it points to the ball, while you hold the knife with your dominant hand. Stability is greatly enhanced by the index finger. It is highly recommended that you use a utility knife for this task.
- Cut the Tennis Ball: Make three cuts on the tennis ball. Start by piercing the ball from the x’s line to the end of its length and cutting it through. In the initial cut, both sides should be cut. I recommend cutting them one at a time rather than trying to do it all at once. Always remember to cut away from your thumb or any other finger. The second ball should be processed in the same manner
- Putting a Tennis Ball on a Walker: You need to place the two tennis balls on your walker now that you have cut them. Put the tennis ball on the walker’s leg by squeezing it and giving it a little squeeze to open up the hole. The hole should be cut slightly larger with the utility knife if it is too small. For added stability, pull up the flaps as well. Enjoy your hard work when it’s finished! The smaller the hole, the easier it will be to make it bigger, while a too-large hole is impossible to shrink.
Here are a few other pro tips:
- If you want to know exactly where to cut the ball, draw an x on it with a marker.
- If you nail a hole in the ball before cutting, you will have an easier time slicing.
- To add extra stability and safety, you can use a workshop vise.
- Tennis balls that don’t stay on the walker can be taped on.
From start to finish, two tennis balls are on your walker’s legs. The best practices must be followed to ensure your safety and success.
I highly recommend watching the video below if you prefer video instructions, as it’s the right way to do this.
Why are Tennis Balls Used On Walkers?
I agree that it’s important to know how to put tennis balls on a walker, but the why is just as important. The reasons for doing so are valid, so what are they?
To make walkers easier to push, more stable, quieter, and more stable, tennis balls are used. It is common for walkers to come with pre-installed rubber tips that are fragile, rough, or slippery. Tennis balls, on the other hand, can be tossed around by the elderly instead of being pushed by them.
Imagine needing to pick up a walker every time you walk, which is a sign of weakness on its own. Your other strengths would be quickly taken away, and the walker’s purpose would be completely destroyed.
The tennis ball can be used safely and securely, but the walker can still be pushed instead of lifted. Many people find that to be a blessing, as it simplifies their lives greatly.
Is It Safe to Put Tennis Balls On a Walker?
There are always doubts when something is not supposed to be on something, such as tennis balls. Fireworks like Roman candles shouldn’t be shot out of hand, but that’s exactly what everyone does. Tennis balls and walkers raise the question of whether they are safe to use together.
It is generally safe to use tennis balls on a walker as long as it is done properly. Pushing can be made easier with tennis balls because they can add stability to the user. Walkers with tennis balls, however, pick up germs, making them unsanitary. Moreover, improper installation is considered disrespectful for the user, as it poses a safety hazard.
When it comes to using tennis balls on a walker, there are pros, cons, and debates. The two sides are very clear to me. Pushing a walker indoors with tennis balls will be much easier and safer, if done correctly. This, however, is largely determined by the quality and surface of the walker.
Tennis balls are not recommended for outdoor usage on walkers. It’s because felt picks up many germs and transfers them inside, which can be harmful, especially if the user lives in a nursing home with other seniors. It doesn’t look right to use tennis balls outside because they wear out quickly.
According to our opinion, tennis balls should not be placed on the legs of walkers. I, therefore, wonder whether the elderly are properly cared for when I see them wearing tennis balls on their walker.
Next and last, what else can you use to keep your walker legs from getting sore?
Pros and Cons of attaching tennis balls on walkers
| Pros | Cons |
| Sliders can be substituted for walkers using tennis balls. | Gives an overall unattractive appearance |
| The device is easy to install at home by anyone | The outer material of tennis balls makes them very prone to collecting germs |
| Eliminates the sounds and frictions caused by the sliders on the floor | They can sometimes cause the Walker to become unstable |
What else can you put on a walker besides tennis balls?
It is important to have actual products made for walkers, rather than tennis balls that are meant for playing tennis, for various reasons such as noise reduction, floor protection, and ease of movement. Is there another alternative to tennis balls for putting on a walker?
Alternatives to tennis balls for walkers include pre-cut glide balls. You can also create the same effect as tennis balls with walker skis, walker coasters, and walker glide caps.
If you’re bored with tennis balls but need something to place under your walker’s legs, these alternatives offer slightly different features. Come along with me, and I’ll show you how to do it.
1. Walker Glide Balls
When it comes to adding enhancements to your walker’s legs, glide balls are the closest thing to tennis balls. The upside is that you don’t have to cut them yourself, and they stick better, which makes sense to me.
What do you get out of it? The purpose of the glide balls on a walker is to improve movement, allowing secure gliding on the floor so that the walker does not need to be lifted. Additionally, the walker makes less noise, and the floors are protected.
2. Walker Glide Skis
You won’t be able to ski if you need a walker. Skiing can, however, be added to your walker in the same way the sport itself is done.
As a result, walker glide skis are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Tennis balls and walker glide balls won’t transmit nearly as many germs from the outdoors as these composite balls, such as the RMS Walker Skis.
You or the person you are considering buying walker skis should consider them if you regularly walk outside.
3. Walker Ski Covers
It is possible to make the movement even easier indoors with walker ski covers. Covers, however, are not recommended for people who cannot comfortably walk with a walker, as they will make it more slippery.
These are like small socks that you can put your glider skis into, which makes things smooth and gives the walker a cute look!
4. Walker Coasters
Walker coasters are another alternative to tennis balls for walkers. As well as being manufactured with ease of movement in mind, they are also lightweight. When passing through doorways or thresholds, walkers coasters will prevent them from getting caught.
walker coasters are a classy alternative to tennis balls or skis, so if you want a sleek look, I recommend them.
5. Walker Glide Caps
The design of walker glide caps is even more minimal than that of walker coasters. A walker glide cap is perfect for those who want nothing more than an extension for their walker and want the advantages that others enjoy.
It’s best to use them indoors for smooth gliding motions and outdoors they’ll wear out pretty fast if you glide a lot. However, you can also use them outside.
I’m confident you’ll find the right walker extension for you out of these four options and tennis balls. I like the skis best because they are easy to use, can be added to the cover for extra slides, and look cool!
Frequently asked questions
What is the requirement to put Tennis balls on a Walker?
It is common for hardwood and laminate floors to be scratched by the standard slider provided by the Walker. Many people use Walkers to protect their floors from this by putting Tennis balls on them. Having Tennis balls on the Walker makes it easy for them to slide on the carpet.
Are tennis balls easy to cut?
Yes, you can cut a tennis ball easily if you are careful not to cut your hands.
Do you need to use new Tennis balls to put on a Walker?
The choice of whether to use an older or a new tennis ball is entirely up to you. Whatever the tennis ball does as long as it serves its purpose, it does not matter.
How long can Tennis balls on a Walker last?
In order for a tennis ball to last as long as possible on a worker, it must be used frequently. Tennis balls last longer on Walkers depending on how often they are used and on what surface they are used on.
Is it safe to put tennis balls on a walker?
When the person does not completely rely on the walker for mobility, putting tennis balls on it is not a very unsafe option.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add some versatility to your existing arrangement, try tennis balls on the bottom. If they don’t seem to be useful, pop them off and stop using them. A configuration like this will also appeal to those who like to personalize their walkers with a bit of color.
Moreover, you can also check Australian Open Tennis 2024 Dates here.
