What is the name of the ball and socket joints used on the throttle linkages for our diesels? Does anyone know of a generic off-the-shelf version, something similarly strong but also able to be snapped apart and together?

Backstory(long):

Girlfriend's dad has been a mechanic since near forever, everything from go karts and bicycles to Apache gunships to heavy diesel equipment to cars and trucks. Unfortunately the years have caught up with him, with carpel tunnel damage so bad he's lost most use of his hands. No more turning wrenches, luckily his shop has retained him as the diagnostician extraordinaire that he is. He can push buttons and has very limited grip, and constant pain. He's had surgery that's helped with the pain, but it's seeming like the strength just won't come back. Anything else that could be tried at this point would be likely to make it worse.

My idea is to make an aluminum bar that would strap to his arms and stick forward under his palms, for a small ball to mount. A similar socket would go on the shovel, lawnmower, rake, etc. The force from the tool would be transmitted via ball and socket joint to the aluminum bar, which would is strapped to his arms. Take most of the force off his hands. Snap onto the mower, snap onto the shovel, etc.

Ideal, no. Workable possibility? Yes. He's willing to try, I'm willing to build it, just need the materials. Commercial off the shelf ball and socket joint would be best, both for outfitting current needs and future replacements, but if someone had a few MBZ pieces they could part with for proof of concept, I'd be happy to buy them and pay shipping. Just trying to give a good man some of his life and independence back.

Thanks folks.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap

mcmaster-carr has a lot of building pieces like that. I've seen some of their heim joints and the prices were surprisingly good.

Combine your idea with a 3D printed piece that fits his forearm. Check out 3D hubs . com for local printers and tho rare, you might also find a scanner too.

If you need some samples I think Audi and VW use a similar ball and socket affair. Theirs' also has a safety wire that locks them into place and/or makes them easier to remove.

By the way....

The best way I have found to removed these in a wrecking yard is to use the open end of a 10mm wrench. Just put it around the neck of the ball and push/twist. They usually pop right off.

Thanks, folks. Had a lot going on so haven't gotten to this yet, junk yard trip is on the list.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap