The Best Grabber/Reacher

Long reachers have their place, but a longer arm doesn’t necessarily mean more mobility. This 19-inch grabber is ideally sized for most situations that require some extra assistance. It’s an especially great option for wheelchair users.

Practical features include an ergonomic handle, a soft trigger grip, and a rubberized jaw that rotates 90 degrees. A finger-like tip allows small items to be picked up easily, and a heavy-duty connection cable ensures years of dependable use.

While some folk might prefer a longer reacher, this is one of the best short-reach products on the market.

Key Features

• Easy-grip handle with a soft grip
• Rotating rubber jaw with accurate finger-like tip
• Lifetime limited warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee

<strong>Brand</strong>: Royal Medical Solutions, Inc. | <strong>Model</strong>: BD14856 | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 20 x 4 x 0.5 inches, 0.4 pounds

While the Ettore Grip’n Grab is somewhat light on features, it’s a well-made, easy-to-use product. It’s available with either a 32-inch or 50-inch arm, and both models feature an articulation head that turns 90 degrees. The rubber tips on the jaws allow for precision control, and the aluminum construction is both lightweight and durable.

Though the aluminum frame could potentially bend, we found that the comfort grip not only helps reduce motion fatigue, but it also securely holds items up to 5 pounds.

Key Features

• 90-degree articulation head with rubberized jaws
• Capable of holding objects up to 5 pounds
• Lightweight aluminum and plastic materials

<strong>Brand</strong>: Ettore Products | <strong>Model</strong>: 49036 | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 33.5 x 4 x 5.2 inches (32-inch arm model), 0.56 pounds

The main appeal of this reacher from ZAYAD is its foldable design, which allows for easy storage. The 32-inch arm is long enough for most applications. Plus, the aluminum alloy construction is dependable enough for light use (just don’t try to lift any heavier objects).

We also love this grabber because its jaw can rotate 360 degrees to reach extra tough places.

The textured tip is accurate when grabbing small objects and the full-hand grip is an improvement over a straight trigger grip, since you’ll use your entire hand to squeeze the claw closed. However, the handle is bare plastic, so you may have to give an extra hard squeeze in order to grab what you need.

Key Features

• Lightweight design with aluminum alloy construction
• Foldable design for easy storage
• Textured rubberized tip for handling small objects

<strong>Brand</strong>: ZAYAD Direct | <strong>Model</strong>: 4336313163 | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 17.7 x 5 x 1.6 inches (folded), 0.53 pounds

Rather than a claw-like hand, this grabber has a thin head that fits easily into small spaces. It features a magnetic tip and a post for hooking items. A clip towards the top of the arm attaches to bed rails, walkers, canes, and wheelchair arms for easy storage.

While aesthetics aren’t a major consideration with reachers, the bright yellow plastic and exposed aluminum make it easy to find in room. Plus, the workmanship is solid, and while the materials are heavy duty, the grabber itself is fairly lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Key Features

• Magnetic tip helps to find small metal objects
• Clips easily to walkers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids
• Comes in a 2-pack

<strong>Brand</strong>: Royal Medical Solutions, Inc. | <strong>Model</strong>: BD17221 | <strong>Weight/Dimensions</strong>: 32 x 4 x 1 inches, 0.84 pounds

Reaching assist tools certainly aren’t a one-size-fits-all purchase. You’ll need to consider your or your loved one's mobility challenges carefully, along with the unique features and specifications of the product in question. Here are a few factors to keep in mind.

Identify Challenges

Start by identifying the user’s needs and challenges. Is the user having trouble reaching items in the back of the pantry, or do they need to pick up items off the floor? Do they use a wheelchair? Will they need to keep the grabber near them at all times?

Questions like this will help guide you to a particular model. They suggest features like reach length, gripper texture, and grip trigger pull weight. When in doubt, start with a particular task and a tape measure. Find the distance between the upper shelf and the user’s maximum reach, for instance, and you’ll have a good idea of what size grabber to look for.

The goal is to allow your loved ones to pursue the activities they enjoy with limited assistance.

Look For Ergonomically Made Products

Look for ergonomic grips designed for maximum comfort. People are more likely to use their grabbers when they’re comfortable, of course. Look for handles that are padded, coated with an anti-slip covering, and—perhaps most importantly—sized for the user’s hand.

For users with reduced grip strength, be sure to look for models with lightweight, full-hand triggers. A two-finger trigger is fine for lots of people who use grabbers, but for those who struggle with grip strength, a full-hand trigger will be easier and more comfortable.