Support System for Assistive Technology

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Welcome to the SS-AT project website! In this website, you can obtain and share digital data of assistive devices and tools that can be manufactured by 3D printers, as well as useful information for consultations on their adaptation. By sharing our experiences, we aim to provide and utilize assistive devices and tools that are suitable for the lives of users.
Welcome to the SS-AT project website! In this website, you can obtain and share digital data of assistive devices and tools that can be manufactured by 3D printers, as well as useful information for consultations on their adaptation. By sharing our experiences, we aim to provide and utilize assistive devices and tools that are suitable for the lives of users.

One-Handed Tying Tool for Trash Bag

Image 1

Downloads

Author
Self-help device making group, NFP (Volunteer members)
License
Published
2025/10/08 00:00
Modified
2026/01/28 10:25

Summary

When one hand is impaired, it can be difficult to securely tie the opening of a trash bag. Therefore, we developed an assistive device that allows the opening of a trash bag to be tied even with one hand.

By hooking the garbage bag handle onto a knob or hook found in the home and using the "One-Handed Tying Tool for Trash Bag", anyone can easily tie the opening of a handle-equipped garbage bag with one hand. Furthermore, it can be made from inexpensive materials and is reusable, making it a low-cost solution.

See the video below for how to use this tool.
https://youtu.be/ucDUfcALbXQ?si=gBnfcbCVvP8VuPw7

- The STL data of the rope ends: gomitotte.STL
- The instruction manual of "One-Handed Tying Tool for Trash Bag": Instruction_TyingTool.pdf

※ Both can be downloaded from this page.

Tips for adaptation

  • Depending on individual needs, the thickness of the rope ends and the position of the magnet can be adjusted.

Tips for design

Tips for printing

Feedback

  • When demonstrating how to use this rope in front of people with disabilities, they are surprised and delighted to see how easily they can tie a garbage bagwith one hand. After that, we had them try tying it themselves. After practicing two or three times, everyone was able to tie it successfully.

    We received these and other positive comments:
    - “This is needed worldwide, so sharing the 3D data on international sites would be great,” “I want to try making one myself,” “I want to show the video to students at school so they can learn.”

    - “I currently use my good hand and my mouth or teeth to tie garbage bag openings, but this method eliminates the strain on my teeth, which is great,” “I want to practice tying with this assistive device. I'd like to film videos to learn how to use it.”

    - “It's made from simple materials, and the low cost of materials is appreciated,” “It's eye-opening how a simple tool can make things so convenient. A tool can do the tying that used to require hand strength.”

Note

Materials required for production:
- 3D-printed rope ends: 2 pieces (STL data available here)
- Round magnets, 6.1mm diameter: 4 pieces (available at DIY stores)
- Laundry rope, 600mm (nylon): 1 piece
- Cable ties, 100mm length × 2.5mm width: 2 pieces