Troubleshooting Common Wheelchair Wheel Lock Issues at Home

There’s nothing more frustrating than equipment that suddenly stops working. With wheelchairs, a faulty lock isn’t just annoying; it can also be a safety issue and prevent you from going about your daily life.

Before considering expensive repairs or replacements, try troubleshooting wheelchair lock issues at home. Follow this guide to learn how to identify address wheel lock issues.

Quick Safety Check

Before you grab your tools, let’s talk safety. Always perform these checks and adjustments on a flat, stable surface. If possible, transfer out of the chair to give yourself better access and prevent it from moving unexpectedly.

If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, ask a friend, family member, or wheelchair repair professional for help.

Issue 1: Locks Won’t Engage or Grip the Tire

If you try to engage the locks to clamp onto the tires and they do nothing, don’t panic. This is a classic problem, typically caused by one of two issues: incorrect tire pressure or lock position.

What To Check

First, check if your tires are inflated to the ideal psi. A soft or flat tire can be responsible for this problem. If the tire is underinflated, the lock can’t get a good grip and won’t engage.

The problem could also be the lock itself, especially if it shifted out of position. Most wheel locks are attached to the wheelchair frame with a clamp. If it is the clamp, loosen it and reposition the lock to the right spot, then retighten the clamp.

Issue 2: The Lock Is Too Tight or Drags on the Tires

On the flip side, you might have a lock that’s doing its job a little too well. If the lock still rubs against the tire after you unlock the tire, then it can wear down the tire tread. This usually means the lock is positioned too close to the wheel and needs to be adjusted.

How To Fix it

Loosen the clamp with a wrench or Allen key and create a gap away from your tire. The gap should be about 1/8–1/4 of an inch of clearance. Once it no longer brushes the tire, tighten it again and unlock it to see if the wheel still hits the lock.

Issue 3: The Handle Is Loose or Wobbly

If the lock mechanism itself feels solid but the handle you push is wobbly, the problem is likely a loose bolt. Since you interact with the handle most, it’s bound to loosen up over time.

How To Fix it

Check the point where your handle connects to the locking mechanism. There is usually a nut and bolt or a screw in that spot. All you have to do is grab the right tool, a screwdriver or wrench, and tighten it up. Don’t overtighten it, as you still need to handle it easily, but it should now feel stable and secure.

Taking Control of Your Maintenance

Troubleshooting issues with your wheelchair wheel locks at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, you can solve these common issues on your own.

If you’re looking to replace your wheelchair wheel locks, then DME Hub has the right selection for you. Our collection has various wheelchair parts for any replacements you might need. Browse our catalog today!