Crutch Maintenance Log - 12-Week Tracker

💡 How to Use This Log: Check your crutches WEEKLY (every 7 days). Mark each item with ✓ (Good), ⚠ (Needs Attention), or ✗ (Replace Now). Regular maintenance prevents falls and injuries.

⚠️ Replace Immediately If: Crutch tips are worn smooth, cracked, or uneven | Adjustment buttons don't click securely | Cracks or bends in frame | Loose handgrips | Frayed or torn padding

📋 Equipment Information

Crutch Type: ☐ Underarm ☐ Forearm ☐ Platform
Brand/Model: _________________________
Date Acquired: _________________________

Height Setting: Hole # _____ (Left) _____ (Right)
Weight Capacity: ___________ lbs
Last Tip Replacement: _________________________

🔍 Weekly Inspection Checklist

Check These Items Every Week:

Crutch Tips: Check for wear, cracks, or smooth spots. Should have deep treads.
Adjustment Buttons: Push-in buttons click firmly into holes (not loose).
Frame Integrity: No cracks, bends, or dents in aluminum/metal frame.
Handgrips: Secure, not loose or rotating. Padding intact.
Underarm Pads: (If applicable) No tears, secure attachment, adequate padding.
Hardware: All screws, bolts, and wing nuts are tight.
Height Settings: Both crutches at same height, properly aligned.
Stability Test: No wobbling or unusual movement when bearing weight.

📅 12-Week Maintenance Tracker

🔧 Detailed Inspection Guide

1. Crutch Tips (Replace Every 3-6 Months or When Worn)

Check For:

Deep tread grooves still visible (not worn smooth)
No cracks, splits, or chunks missing
Tip sits flat and level on ground
Rubber is firm (not hard/brittle or soft/mushy)
Tip secured tightly to crutch shaft (not loose)

⚠️ Replace If: Tread depth less than 1/8 inch | Any visible cracks | Uneven wear causing wobble | Exposed metal underneath

2. Adjustment Buttons & Height Settings

Check For:

Push-button clicks FULLY into hole (audible click)
Button doesn't stick or require excessive force
No play/wiggle when button is engaged
Both crutches set to identical height (count holes)
Alignment marks (if present) properly lined up

⚠️ Address If: Button doesn't click firmly | Crutch sections slide when bearing weight | Different heights between crutches

3. Frame & Structural Integrity

Check For:

No visible cracks in aluminum tubing
No bends or kinks in frame
No dents that compromise structural strength
Welds (if any) are intact with no separation
Frame color/finish consistent (no rust or corrosion)

✗ Stop Using If: Any cracks in frame | Bent frame causing misalignment | Frame makes cracking/popping sounds under weight

4. Handgrips

Check For:

Grip doesn't rotate or slide on shaft
Padding intact (no tears or compression)
Grip secured with screw/bolt (check tightness)
No sharp edges or exposed metal
Comfortable texture (not slippery or sticky)

⚠️ Replace If: Grip rotates during use | Padding compressed flat | Tears exposing hard plastic/metal

5. Underarm Pads (Axillary Crutches)

Check For:

Pad securely attached to crutch top
No tears, rips, or separated seams
Adequate padding (not compressed flat)
Cover material intact (vinyl/foam not peeling)
No exposed hard plastic or metal edges

⚠️ Replace If: Padding compressed to less than 1/4 inch | Tears or holes in cover | Pad slides or moves during use

6. Hardware (Screws, Bolts, Wing Nuts)

Check For:

All screws and bolts are tight (use appropriate tool)
Wing nuts (if present) finger-tight plus 1/4 turn
No missing screws or hardware
No stripped threads or damaged bolt heads
Lock washers in place (if applicable)

🔧 Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, Allen wrench (hex key), adjustable wrench

7. Stability Test

How to Test:

Place crutches on firm, level surface
Apply weight gradually (don't jump onto crutches)
Listen for any creaking, popping, or clicking sounds
Feel for wobbling, shifting, or unusual movement
Check that both tips stay flat on ground under weight

✗ Fail Test If: Any unexpected sounds | Wobbling or instability | One tip lifts off ground | Frame flexes excessively

🧼 Cleaning & Care Tips

🛒 Replacement Parts Reference

Part	Typical Lifespan	Approx. Cost	Where to Buy
Crutch Tips (pair)	3-6 months	$5-15	Pharmacy, medical supply, online
Handgrips (pair)	6-12 months	$8-20	Medical supply stores, online
Underarm Pads (pair)	6-12 months	$10-25	Medical supply stores, online
Complete Crutches	2-5 years (with care)	$25-150	Pharmacy, medical supply, insurance

🚨 Safety Alert: Equipment failure is the #1 cause of crutch-related falls. Weekly inspections take only 5 minutes but can prevent serious injury. If ANY component fails inspection, address immediately before next use.

CrutchesGuide.com | Keeping You Safe and Mobile

📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.crutchesguide.com

Safety Disclaimer: This maintenance log is for educational purposes only. Always follow manufacturer's specific maintenance guidelines. If you have any doubts about equipment safety, consult a medical equipment professional before use.

Week	Date Checked	Inspection Items (✓ = Good \| ⚠ = Attention \| ✗ = Replace)								Notes / Actions Taken
Week	Date Checked	Tips	Buttons	Frame	Grips	Pads	Hardware	Height	Stability	Notes / Actions Taken
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🛠️ Crutch Maintenance Log

📋 Equipment Information

🔍 Weekly Inspection Checklist

📅 12-Week Maintenance Tracker

🔧 Detailed Inspection Guide

1. Crutch Tips (Replace Every 3-6 Months or When Worn)

2. Adjustment Buttons & Height Settings

3. Frame & Structural Integrity

4. Handgrips

5. Underarm Pads (Axillary Crutches)

6. Hardware (Screws, Bolts, Wing Nuts)

7. Stability Test

🧼 Cleaning & Care Tips

🛒 Replacement Parts Reference