Tube Opener
An aid designed to support opening and dispensing toothpaste or ointment.
Quick Details
Category: Health Management
Tags: Decreased Pinch Strength, Limited Finger Dexterity, Reduced Grip Strength, Limited Finger Flexion
Recommended Filament: PETG
Print time: ~ 50 minutes
Print Difficulty: Easy
Device Assembly: None
Supports: No
Original Creator: Makers Making Change
In Use
Scale Reference 1 in.
Print Orientation
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Filament type: PETG
Layer height: 0.20mm
Infill: 15-20%
Supports: None
Wall count: 4
Estimated filament used: 16 Grams
Print difficulty: Easy
Print time: About 50 Minutes
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Added materials: None
Tools needed: None
Post processing: None
Time to assemble: None
Assembly Process: None
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Functional Use: This device is a toothed tool that grips the cap of a toothpaste or ointment tube. The teeth bite the cap, so less pinch strength is needed to twist it off. The device also doubles as a tube squeezer.
Relevant Occupations: Personal Hygiene and Grooming
Client Factors: May be relevant when grip or pinch strength, finger range of motion, or fine motor control is reduced.
Performance Skills: The device grips the cap, so the client turns the device rather than pinching the small cap, while the other hand holds the tube.
Safety Considerations: Confirm the cap sits in the toothed opening before turning, since a poor fit can cause it to slip. Clean the device if it comes into contact with ointment or toothpaste to avoid cross-contamination.
Limitations: It fits a limited range of cap sizes. The person still must complete the turning motion. The toothed edge can wear with use. It is not a cleared medical device, so its use must be a clinical decision made by the treating occupational therapist.
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Issues: None
Recommendations: None
Ease of use: Easy
Test results or review: The part works as intended.
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Original file link: https://www.printables.com/model/214245-tube-opener/files
Creator credit: Makers Making Change
License: Creative Commons (4.0 International License) Attribution-ShareAlike