I am working on a zine for GOAT “fix-it-kits”. The zine encourages people to maintain and be prepared for emergency repairs on their mobility devices. It’s a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to show the prototype to people for feedback before I make the first batch for our next workshop!
The zine has space for writing down the specifics of your device; a toolbag checklist; then tips on inspecting, cleaning wheelchairs and other gear, as well as checking all its fasteners and accessories. I wrap it up with some thoughts on Right-to-Repair and a list of local resources and communities.
The “Fix-it-Kit” is a sturdy vinyl zipper pouch with grommets that will be useful to attach the kit to the frame of a chair. It is fairly small and thin but not flat; it has space for mini tools.
There aren’t really standards for wheelchair bolts, screws, and so on. So we can’t pick one basic set of tools to include in each bag. Instead, the “motherkit” messenger bag has an assortment of tools and parts, like hex keys and bolts in metric and standard sizes. These have to be individually picked out for a person and for their chair.
This motherkit will also have specific tools for manual chairs, like mini tire pumps and patches. The tiny pieces like stickers, rubber bands, washers and bolts will go into (donated) small metal tins (like Altoids tins) inside the pouch.
For the things we’re buying, I’ll be fundraising to support giving these free kits to any wheelchair user who comes to our repair, build, and hacking events!
I’ll have a list of specific tool donations we’re looking for, and will set up an Amazon wish list so people can donate new items to GOAT.
The most expensive part of this kit will likely be a small but decent quality crescent wrench, which I think is critical. Another expensive but great thing for the kit – mini rolls of gaffer or duct tape. And if people have dexterity or hand pain issues and need or want T-handle drivers for sockets, screws, and hex bolts, we want to be able to offer them.
I’ll be posting again soon with a full draft of the zine, and the parts list for the fix-it-kits.
Please donate to support our Fix it Kit and zine project!
What tools do you carry for your wheelchair, powerchair, or scooter maintenance or emergency repair? I would love to hear and to get suggestions for the zine or the fix-it-kits.
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