Large Grip Utensil Holder

About this project

A custom 3D-printed TPU ball that sits in the palm, secured with a hair elastic, with a cut fork inserted at a fixed angle, enabling palm-up gross grasp and independent guiding of the fork to the mouth.

The challenge

Because standard utensils require finger control and wrist rotation that the user cannot perform. The adapter enables safe, independent self-feeding using a gross grasp, restoring autonomy in a daily activity that previously required full assistance.

Who it helps

Individuals with limited hand and finger function, such as people with C4–C6 spinal cord injuries or neurological conditions that prevent gripping standard utensils. The adapter supports users who rely on gross grasp to eat independently.

How it works

By replacing precise finger grip with a stable ball-in-palm grasp, and fixing the fork at the optimal angle, the adapter lets the user guide food to their mouth independently, reducing effort and reliance on caregivers.

Tools needed

PC or MAC I7 +

Prusa slicer

Pliers

Circular saw

FDM Printer

Project details

• Stage: Product
• Built by the TOM@Care community, Tel Aviv-Yafo
• Team: Avraham & Avigail
• Category: Daily Living
• Made with: 3D printing
• 18 downloads

The build files for Large Grip Utensil Holder are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

Related projects

• Large Grip Key Holder
• Guitar Pick Large Grip Holder
• MeasureUp Utensil Grip
• Large Grip Keyholder with Flashlight
• Cuff Utensil Holder
• Long Utensil Holder End Unit // Compatible with TOM Arm Prosthesis

Browse all TOM projects · Search projects · TOM communities · Makeathons and events