17 Use of Tools
Slides: Basic Tools
An understanding of common tools can be helpful for tasks around the home, and also for working as a therapy assistant. Therapy assistants may perform wheelchair adjustments, equipment repairs, or other tasks requiring tools, or TAs may facilitate groups with activities such as woodworking. If you are already familiar with tool use, you probably already know much or all of the content that will be covered here, and in this case, perhaps you may find some tips that can be helpful for teaching clients about tool use. If tools are unfamiliar, the information in this module may be a good starting point for increasing your knowledge and confidence with using tools.
Video: Tools Overview (5:22)
Handout: Tools that Everyone Should Have
Video: Basic Hand Tools – Showing a Basic Toolkit (5:23)
Video: Screws and Screwdrivers (1:09)
Handout: Common Types of Screws and Screwdrivers
Handout: Which Direction to Turn Things
Additional Resources: Essential Tools
25 Essential Hand Tools Everyone Should Own (List with Pictures). (2020). HealthyHandyman. https://healthyhandyman.com/essential-hand-tools-list/.
Zillow. (2016, May 24). Must-Have Power Tools for Homeowners | DIY Tips | Zillow.
Demonstration: How To Adjust The Calf Panel On Elevating Leg Rests (1:16)
Practical Application: Use of Tools
- Consider your own need for tools. Do you just need the basics, or do you like to do projects that require more or specialized tools? What tools are most important and useful for you?
- Create your own list of essential tools.
- Based on your essential tools list, create a list of tools you already have and tools you need.
- Which tools do you need first, and which ones could you get later? How could you get these tools for the lowest cost (second hand, borrow, etc.)? When would it be feasible for you to obtain these tools, and how could you fit these purchases into your budget?
- Which tools on your essential tools list are you familiar with? Which tools are you unfamiliar with? How could you learn more about how to use the less familiar tools?
Back to Introduction and Table of Contents
Back to Manual Skills Overview
| Previous: Sewing | Next: Thank you and Further Information |
