Best Reachers & Grabbers for Seniors

A reacher or grabber can be a handy tool around the house for an elderly individual, and can make indoor or outdoor chores easier on your body.

The best reachers & grabbers for seniors can increase safety and efficiency, as well as provide independence for seniors who need a bit of mobility help.

Why Are Reachers and Grabbers Useful for Seniors?

Reachers are very useful for helping seniors access objects placed high up, and they can be equally helpful for picking up items from the ground. 

Many elderly individuals find that these tools help with tasks around the house by minimizing repeated movements like bending and picking things up. 

Such movement can be nearly impossible for elders with mobility issues, and attempting to pick-up fallen items manually could result in a senior losing balance and potentially falling.

Grabbers can also be handy for accessing items in difficult to reach locations, such as using a reacher to grab a remote control that has fallen behind a couch. 

What Type of Senior Are Reachers and Grabbers Best For?

Reachers and grabbers are an excellent option for active seniors that want to limit repetitive movements that can cause injury, but still want to perform specific tasks.

This tool can also give seniors greater independence by allowing them to reach objects that are high up or in hard to reach locations.

Many seniors find that this tool helps them get more done in less time by allowing them to pick up more objects such as clothing, yard waste, or other spilled items without getting tired as quickly. This tool is also helpful for seniors with mobility issues.

Occasions When Reacher or Grabber Is Helpful

  • Reach something high up while avoiding climbing on a chair, stool, or another unstable surface. 
  • Helping injured individuals reach objects as they recover and have mobility issues. 
  • Safely retrieve items from behind furniture, through a fence, in cracks too small for your hand, and on high shelves.
  • Seniors who have mobility issues and need some assistance in getting dressed. 
  • In the yard, a grabber is a perfect way to save your back while picking up sticks, trash, or objects just out of your reach.

What to Consider in a Reaching Tool

There are a few characteristics you’ll want to seek out when looking at reacher tools, and some of these will vary based on your preferences and use case. For most grabbers you’ll want to consider:

  • Weight. The overall weight of the reacher matters as you’ll be moving this item around often with your hands, and lighter is going to be better. 
  • Ergonomic qualities such as a molded handle with a grippy surface. It needs to feel comfortable in hand if you are going to use it often or effectively.
  • Handle and trigger. Consider how much force you’ll need to squeeze the trigger in order for the jaws or gripper to clamp down on the item with enough force to hold it in place. Many triggers are quite sensitive, but some will be looser and require you to squeeze harder to maneuver the jaws. 
  • Shaft. Keep shaft materials in mind when comparing grabbers. Most of these tools will come with an aluminum shaft as this material is wonderfully lightweight, highly durable, and corrosion-resistant.
  • Weight Lifting Capacity. How tightly the jaw latches together will impact the weight lifting capacity of the grabber. Consider what items the grabber will be used with – for lighter objects like papers or trash wrappers, you won’t need to worry so much about seeking a large weight lifting capacity.

Other Features to Keep in Mind

Grabbers sometimes come with bonus features, and some of those features include:

  • Magnetic tip. Some grabber tips feature a magnet, which is very useful for picking up metal objects that are otherwise too small or awkward to get with the jaws. 
  • Post at the tip. This is very useful for putting on clothing and grabbing objects with loops. 
  • Warranty. This may indicate the quality that you can expect. Many grabbers come with a guarantee of at least one year, but some are longer and cover replacement units

Best Reachers & Grabbers for Seniors: Our Top Picks

The best reachers & grabbers for seniors will have long shafts for reaching items that are either up high or down on the ground.

Our list of these devices features multi-packs of the devices, grabbers with unique features to make them useful in a wider variety of scenarios, and overall lightweight designs to avoid fatigue and hand discomfort.

1. RMS 19 Inch Handi Grip Reacher

About: The RMS 19-inch Handi Grip Reacher is excellent for extending a senior’s reach just a little bit or for situations where extra-long reach isn’t necessary. 

Most Compact Reacher

RMS 19 Inch Handi Grip Reacher

A mid-length reacher that gets the job done

  • 19 inches long
  • 90-degree rotation
  • Ergonomic rubber handle
  • 4 inch jaw width

The head component on this reacher rotates 90-degrees so you can use it both vertically and horizontally, and the rubber-coated tips of the jaw are finger-like and precise. 

This grabber also features a light aluminum shaft that is rustproof and durable, and the ergonomic handle has a comfortable, rubberized grip.

The RMS grabber has jaws that span approximately four inches wide so you can grip items of nearly any reasonable size, and these tips excel at picking up keys, small pieces of glass, and other debris. The head quickly rotates  with a quick twist , and this grabber is an excellent travel option due to it’s a shorter length.

Key Features

  • Rubberized jaw that rotates 90-degrees
  • Rustproof aluminum shaft with durable internal steel cable
  • Ergonomic rubberized handle

Product Specifications

  • Product Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Length: 19 inches

Pros

  • Yellow and black coloring makes grabber easy to recognize and find in even a crowded closet
  • Doesn’t require much strength on the trigger to get a firm grip with the jaws
  • Easy to rotate the head with one free hand
  • Rubberized jaws are precise and sturdy

Cons

  • No hole in the handle for hanging this item up

2. Ettore Grip’n Grab

About: The Ettore Grip ‘n Grab features a uniquely textured rubberized jaw that can securely grasp large objects like cans just as quickly as it can pick up small objects such as coins. 

Longest Grabber Length Option
Ettore Grip'n Grab: Multi-Purpose Reach Tool with Rotating Rubber Grip Head, Blue

Ettore Grip ‘n Grab

A popular grabber available in several lengths

  • Available in 32 and 50 inch lengths
  • Easy pressure handle trigger
  • Can hold objects up to 5 lbs

This grabber is 32 inches long, but a 50-inch extended version is also available. 

The aluminum shaft is rustproof and lightweight, and the trigger only needs slight pressure to achieve a firm grip with the jaws, which makes this product ideal for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel.

The head and jaws on this grabber rotate 90-degrees, which allows you to reach objects that are both vertical and horizontal, and the comfortable handle grip is rubberized to reduce motion fatigue in the hand. 

This reacher is reported to hold up to five pounds in its jaws, allowing a senior to prevent unnecessary strain in the knees, hips, back, from reaching to pick up items.

Key Features

  • Blue rubber jaws that can hold up to 5 lbs
  • Head rotates 90-degrees for both horizontal and vertical grabbing
  • Lightweight aluminum shaft
  • Ergonomic and rubberized grip

Product Specifications

  • Length: 32 inches long
  • Product Weight: 9.6 ounces
  • Weight Capacity: 5 lbs

Pros

  • Comfortable grip and easy to use trigger
  • Lightweight and durable aluminum shaft
  • Can hold items up to five pounds
  • Sturdy plastic and rubberized head is easy to rotate with one hand

Cons

  • Jaws reported to occasionally lose their alignment over time

3. Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber

About: The Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber lacks the traditional rubberized jaws found on other devices and instead offers a dual suction cup design.

Best Suction-Cup Reacher
Vive Suction Cup Grabber Reacher 32' - Elderly Grab It Reaching Pickup Tool Heavy Duty for Seniors - Trash, Sticks, Litter Picker Upper - Extra Long Reach Handle & Handy Extension Arm Claw

Vive Suction Cup Reacher

Plunger-style grabber

  • Unique suction-cup design
  • Jaws open to 4.5 inches wide
  • Holds objects up to 5 lbs
  • Ideal for nimble tasks like changing a lightbulb

These suction cups allow you to easily perform difficult tasks like changing out light bulbs, as they can provide a secure grip on slippery materials such as glass and metal. 

The large ergonomic handle is ideal for elderly individuals with carpal tunnel or arthritis and can work in either hand.

This grabber uses corrosion-resistant and lightweight aluminum for the shaft, and its square shape adds strength. Using this grabber, you reportedly can lift an item weighing up to five pounds, but the suction cup design may not work for very small objects or items with specific rounded shapes. 

As a handy bonus, this reacher features a built-in hanger hook for secure storage.

Key Features

  • Two robust suction cups on the jaw tips
  • Lightweight aluminum shaft
  • Large and ergonomic handle for ease of use
  • Can hold up to five pounds
  • Opens up to 4.5” wide

Product Specifications

  • Length: 32 inches long
  • Product Weight: 6.4 ounces
  • Weight Capacity: 5lbs

Pros

  • Suction cup design is ideal for securely picking up fragile objects
  • Can be used to change lightbulbs

Cons

  • No locking mechanism for the jaws.

4. RMS Featherweight The Original Reacher 2-Pack

About: The RMS Original Reacher is a two-pack of grabbers that are each 32 inches long. 

Most cost-effective option
RMS Featherweight The Original Reacher 2-Pack (32-inch)

RMS Featherweight Reacher 2-Pack

Cost-effective grabber 2-pack

  • 32 inch length
  • Magnetic tip
  • Shaft clip attaches to walker or wheelchair

These reachers feature a magnetic tip, making it even easier for a senior to pick up small magnetic objects like keys, pens, or a watch.

The reachers’ lightweight aluminum shaft helps o prevent unnecessary hand fatigue, along with an ergonomic handle that is comfortable for those who have arthritis or carpal tunnel.

This style of reacher also has a unique clip on the shaft that allows it to attach to a walker, cane, wheelchair, or bed rail.

The RMS Original grabbers boasta uniquely styled jaw that doesn’t rotate but can still pick up relatively small objects. The tips of the jaws feature a lining of grippy rubber material, and the one side of the jaw has a short post that can slip through the loop of jeans or your key ring. 

This grabber jaw provides many ways to pick up objects outside of just grabbing it with the jaws, making it an incredibly versatile tool

Key Features

  • Unique jaw with rubber grips, a peg post, and original clasp mechanism
  • Magnetic tip for easier handling of small metal items
  • Lightweight aluminum shaft that is rustproof
  • Attaches to a cane, walker, bed rail, or wheelchair
  • Handy hook allows the grabbers to easily be stored on a closet door or any other easy-to-access location around the home

Product Specifications

  • Length: 32 inches long

Pros

  • Multiple ways to grab objects with the jaws, magnetic tip, or post
  • Comes as an affordably-priced two-pack

Cons

  • Handle lacks a padded or rubber grip

5. Duro-Med Reacher Grabber

About: The Duro-Med Reacher Grabber is a lightweight reaching tool that features a slip aluminum shaft and an ergonomic plastic handle. The jaws on this reacher are unusually wide and feature a 2.5-inch opening and tips that interlock for a robust grip, along with a magnetic tip for easily accessing small objects. 

DMI Reacher Grabber Tool for Elderly, Disabled or After Surgery Recovery, Claw Grabber, Reaching Assist Tool, Trash Picker, Hand Gripper, Arm Extension, 32 Inches, Non Folding, Magnetic Claw

Duro-Med Reacher Grabber

Affordable grabber with magnetic tip & metal post

  • 32 inches long
  • 2.5 inch jaw opening
  • Magnetic tip for picking up small objects
  • Metal post hook for additional pick-up options

This grabber can extend an elderly individual’s overall reach up to 36 inches and comes with a one-year limited warranty. This grabber also features a metal post as an alternative grab-and-retrieval method

Key Features

  • Metal post helps hook onto clothing to assist with getting dressed 
  • 2.5-inch jaw opening with rubberized grip
  • Magnetic tip for picking up metal objects
  • Lightweight aluminum shaft

Product Specifications

  • Length:  32 inches
  • Weight: 7.2 ounces

Pros

  • Hole in handle for hanging reacher
  • Magnetic tip and metal post on jaws for added versatility
  • Super light aluminum shaft

Cons

  • No grippy material on the handle

6. Unger Professional Nifty Nabber Reacher Grabber Tool

About: The Unger Professional Nifty Nabber Reacher Grabber tool has a slightly longer length than other tools at 36 inches long, while also boasting the impressive ability to pick up objects that weight up to 8 lbs. This makes it the grabber with the largest pickup weight capacity! 

Largest Weight Carrying Capacity
Unger Professional 36” Nifty Nabber – Reacher Grabber Tool & Trash Picker, Built-In Magnet & Ergonomic Grip, Grabber Reacher, Grabber Tool, Reacher’s & Grabbers for Seniors, Claw Grabber Pickup Tool

Unger Professional Nifty Nabber Grabber

Heavy duty grabber that’s feature-packed

  • 36 inches long
  • Picks up objects weighing up to 8 lbs
  • Built-in magnet on tips
  • Hanging hole for easy wall-mounted storage

This reacher also uses lightweight aluminum and has a built-in magnet, but it’s rubberized jaws have textured tips that help prevent damage to whatever you pick up.

The ergonomic handle doesn’t have any rubber coating, but it’s easier on the hands since it folds towards the jaws instead of away from the jaws like other products.

 This grabber also features a hanging hole in the handle, a unique green-colored shaft, and a blue plastic handle. Plus, the Unger reacher comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Key Features

  • A heavy-duty claw with built-in magnets in multiple locations
  • Ergonomic handle design that folds towards the jaws for better gripping comfort
  • Extra-long reach with an aluminum shaft
  • Reportedly can pick up objects that weigh up to 8 pounds

Product Specifications

  • Length: 36 inches long
  • Weight: 2.08 ounces
  • Weight Capacity: 8lbs

Pros

  • Jaws open up to 6” 
  • Magnets strategically placed in the jaw for picking up metal objects
  • Slightly longer than other grabbers

Cons

  • Unique handle design doesn’t feel as comfortable for some users, although others prefer it

Last update on 2022-01-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1 thought on “Best Reachers & Grabbers for Seniors”

  1. The grabbers are little better than a stick with a nail in it theres a billion dollar market that no one is interested in. Most are to long they open to wide. In this day and age there should be all sorts of options like telescopic and electric I guarantee mor grabbers are in the corner or cupboard gathering dust or housing a spider. Im in a wheelchair and i feel insulted every time i see a grab stick. Just a thrown together piece of junk and marked up to crazy prices with not much more technology than a rolling pin. I would love to see this given to a university as a challenge to their Tech heads to improve on what we require id pay $200 if it worked and was about 400 mm long. People with disabilities need to be consulted not just given something that’s useless. Theres more money in these but where do we start

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