How to Choose the Best Reacher Grabber Pickup Tool

What is a Reacher Grabber?

A reacher grabber tool is a simple tool that works like an extension of your arm. Thus, allowing you to either pick things up without bending or to take things off a high shelf without having to climb. It is designed with a long shaft that is connected to a gripping device. You activate it by squeezing the handle.

While we may think of a reacher grabber tool being something that a disabled or an older person would use, they are also very convenient for the average person to use around the house. For example, what If you drop something and it rolls under the couch. Rather than moving the heavy couch so you can get under it, you can just use your reacher grabber to retrieve the dropped item. Or instead of having to go get a step ladder to get something off a high shelf, you can just use your reacher grabber. I keep mine in my storage closet, so it is handy at all times.

I bought one of these for my mother for Christmas one year and to the day she died she said it was one of the best gifts she every received!

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Choosing the Best Reacher Grabber For You

When choosing a grabber pick up tool there are several things to consider.

Start by identifying your needs.
How do you want to use the tool?
Do you want to be able to get heavy objects down off a high shelf?
- Then you are going to want a sturdy model with a high weight capacity.
Reacher grabbers come in different lengths.
- In this instance, it is a good idea to measure the distance between the shelf and your maximum reach. This will give you a good idea of how long your reacher grabber needs to be.
Some reacher grabbers have metal magnets in the grips.
- These magnets can come in handy when trying to pick up really small metal items.

Most models will automatically spring open once the trigger is released. However, if you have arthritis it may be difficult to keep the handle squeezed the whole time. Some have the ability to be locked into place so they will continue to grasp the item without the user having to keep pressure on it all the time. This can make things a lot easier and less painful.

Do you want a portable grabber reacher tool? Something you can take with you? Then you probably want to purchase one with a folding shaft. This will allow it to be stored easily as you travel. Some even have an adjustable shaft. They usually adjust anywhere from ten to twenty inches. However, be aware that you will lose some strength with a folding model.

Look for ergonomic designed grips. Look for handles that are padded and coated with an anti-slip covering.

If you have weak hands be sure to look for models with lightweight, full hand triggers. A two finger trigger is fine for a lot of people, but for those who struggle with grip strength, a full-hand trigger will be easier and more comfortable.

Types of Reacher Grabbers

There are different types of grabbers for different jobs. Personally, my suggestion is to have different types so you will have what you need for whatever you need to pick up or reach. They are not that expensive, so why not be prepared for what you need.

Reacher grabbers fall into the following categories:

Grabber with Suction Cups
Claw Reacher Grabber
Rotating Reacher Grabber
Laundry Grabber Tool
Magnetic Pickup Tool
Folding Reacher Grabbers
Commercial Grabber Tool
Trash Pick Up

Grabber with Suction Cups

Some grabbers have a suction cup gripping mechanism. They have a jaw with two suction cups at the tip, one on each end. The trigger in the handle controls the closing of the jaws. They will automatically spread open again once the trigger is released.

A suction cup grabber is ideal for picking up slightly rounded items that might slip out of a claw type grabber. You can easily pick up things like a golf ball or small electronics. I have even been able to pick up a pill off the floor. They also work great to change a light bulb.

Below are the two best rated grabbers with suction cups on Amazon. I own the Vive model and am very happy with it. It is quite sturdy. I can get a mayonnaise jar off a top shelf with it without a problem.

If you want to be able to take this with you, you will want the folding model. Please note that due to the fact it folds, you are going to lose some strength with it. My theory is that these are quite inexpensive and anything that makes life easier for me is worth every penny whatever the cost.

Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber – 32″

Claw Reacher Grabber

Claw reacher grabbers are ideal for really small objects, things like sunglasses and keys. They really work great for anything with a handle or a ring attached to it. There is usually some kind of non-slip gripping surface at the tips of the claws. This makes gripping items easier and it helps to not damage the item you are picking up.

Grabber Reacher Tool

Rotating Reacher Grabber

This type of grabber has a head on it that is capable of rotating a full 90 degrees. This becomes very handy as you can grasp items that have either a vertical or horizontal orientation. With this feature you don’t have to twist your wrist. This can be very beneficial if you have a wrist injury. Rotating reacher grabbers can have either a claw or suction cup type gripping mechanism.

Ergonomic Trigger Grip, 360 Degree Rotating Head, and Magnetic Tip, 32