What to Look For in a Reacher or Grabber Tool
Written by Chad Birt on Mon May 15 2023.
If you live with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or another health condition that affects your reach or grip, a hand-held reacher tool could significantly boost your mobility and independence.
"These tools can be helpful for people with mobility issues who need assistance with tasks that involve reaching," says 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 the right reacher or grabber tool can be tricky if you're not sure what to look for. Below, we'll provide some simple tips and highlight top options to help you decide.
Who should use a reacher or grabber tool?
Consider using a reacher or grabber tool if you find everyday tasks challenging, like grabbing spices from a kitchen cabinet or picking up the TV remote when it falls.
Reacher or grabber tools can be especially beneficial for people with musculoskeletal conditions affecting 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 simply not as flexible as you used to be, these tools can make daily activities around the house much easier.
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.
Do I need to take measurements before buying a reacher or grabber?
Unlike assistive devices such as walkers or canes, you don't need to take specific measurements when buying a reacher or grabber tool. However, Barnier advises considering two important factors:
The length of the reacher or grabber tool: Think about what you plan to use it for and your current mobility and flexibility.
The weight of the reacher or grabber tool: Consider how heavy the items you'll pick up will be. Equally important, think about how much weight you can comfortably lift. If you're in good health and just need help reaching objects because you're on the shorter side, the tool's weight might not be as significant a concern.
Where can I buy a reacher or grabber tool?
We carry several excellent reacher-grabber tools here at Carewell. Here’s a closer look at our 5 top sellers:
1. Cardinal Health 22” Suction–Cup Reacher
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
2. Carex Metal Reacher, Magnetic Tips
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
3. Medline Reacher, 31”
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
4. HealthSmart Duro-Matic Metal Reacher, 26”
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
Have questions?
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 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!
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Chad Birt
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.