Written by Chad Birt on Mon May 15 2023.
If you have arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or another health problem that makes it hard to extend your arm or hold onto things, a hand-held reacher tool may improve your mobility and independence.
“These tools can be helpful for people with mobility issues who need assistance with tasks that involve reaching,” said Lawrence Barnier, a health officer at Women’s Resources e-Information, an online publication dedicated to women’s health, well-being, and empowerment. “Grabber tools are especially useful for picking up items from the ground, retrieving objects from high shelves, and pulling things out of tight spaces.”
Choosing a reacher or grabber tool can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. Below, we provide some simple tips and tricks.
Consider using a reacher or grabber tool if you find routine tasks challenging, like grabbing spices from the kitchen cabinet or picking up the TV remote when it drops on the floor.
Reacher or grabber tools can be especially beneficial for people with musculoskeletal conditions that affect the hands or shoulders, including:
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rotator cuff tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendinosis
Rotator cuff tears
Frozen shoulder
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
You don’t necessarily need to have health problems to benefit from a reacher or grabber tool. For example, if you’re pregnant or just not as flexible as you used to be, they can make it easier to do things around the house.
Getting an assistive device, like a walker or cane, requires you to take certain measurements. But you don’t need to worry about that with a reacher or grabber tool. Still, Barnier says it’s important to consider two factors:
The length of the reacher or grabber tool: Think about what you plan to use the reacher or grabber for and how mobile/flexible you already are.
The weight of the reacher or grabber tool: Consider how heavy the items you’ll pick up will be. Just as important is thinking through how much weight you can physically pick up. If you’re in good health and just need help reaching objects because you’re on the shorter side, the weight of the tool probably isn’t as big of a deal.
We carry several reacher-grabber tools here at Carewell. Here’s a closer look at our 5 top sellers:
This hand-held reacher tool from McKesson is 26.5 inches long and has a jaw opening of up to 2.5 inches. The claw features non-slip rubber tabs and magnetic tips, making it easy to grab items securely.
Key Benefits & Features:
Ultra-lightweight frame made of durable aluminum
The pistol trigger only requires 7 oz. of pressure
Reacher tool folds flat for easy storage and transportation
This reacher tool from Cardinal Health features suction cup tips. It extends 22 inches and has a responsive, easy-to-use trigger handle.
Key Benefits & Features:
Lightweight construction
Suction cup tips for extra grip
Under $20.00
Price: $19.99
This metal reacher from Carex is heavier than the two previous tools listed. However, it offers 27 inches of reach and has magnetic tips, perfect for picking up small metal objects, like jewelry, loose change, and silverware.
Key Benefits & Features:
Easy to use
Features a sturdy metal body
Extends to 27 inches
Price: $14.69 - $17.01
This Medline grabber tool offers the longest reach with a wingspan of 31 inches. It can hold objects weighing up to five pounds and features a wide handle that cradles all four fingers for enhanced grip strength.
Key Benefits & Features:
Designed for full hand grip
5-pound weight capacity
Non Slip tabs over jaws for secure grab
Price: $23.49
Rounding out this list of grabber tools is this duro-matic metal reacher from Healthsmart. Made of lightweight aluminum, the tool weighs just two pounds but can pick up objects as large as a quart.
Key Benefits & Features:
Compact and easy to hold
Slip-resistant contour handle for a secure grip
The attached magnet helps pick up metal objects
If you have questions about a reacher or grabber tool, contact our friendly and knowledgeable Caregiving Specialists today. Our team speaks English and Spanish and is available 24/7 to address your concerns, make recommendations, and help you select a tool that meets your budget and needs. Call (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!
As we age, moving around can become a little harder and can lead to limited mobility. This can be caused or worsened by certain health conditions. When a loved one has limited mobility, getting to the bathroom quickly when needed can become difficult and can result in accidents.
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It's estimated that 4 in 10 Americans will develop arthritis of the hands during their lifetime. While there’s no cure, there are a variety of arthritis products that can reduce pain, encourage mobility, and prevent more serious complications.
Medically Reviewed by Kiera Powell, R.N.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
