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Bending to the floor or stretching to a high shelf are two of the movements that most often lead to a wobble or a fall. A reacher grabber, a long pole with a trigger handle and jaws at the end, lets someone pick up a dropped remote, a sock or a letter without bending, and pull light items down from a shelf without climbing. It is one of the simplest and cheapest aids for daily life. But reachers vary a lot in weight, grip and trigger effort, and a heavy or stiff one ends up in a cupboard. This guide covers what to look for.
What a reacher is good for
- Picking up items from the floor without bending: mail, remotes, clothing, pill bottles.
- Pulling light items forward from the back of a shelf or cupboard.
- Pulling on socks or pants, with some designs that have a dressing hook.
- Reaching items dropped behind furniture.
- Moving a blanket or pillow without leaning.
What a reacher is not for
Reachers are not designed to lift heavy objects, pans or glass items overhead. A heavy item can slip out of the jaws and fall on the user. Keep heavy and breakable things on shelves between waist and shoulder height instead.
Features to compare
Length
Most reachers are between 26 and 36 inches. For picking up from the floor while standing, about 32 inches suits many people. Shorter lengths are easier to control and carry; longer ones can feel floppy at the tip.
Weight and trigger effort
A lighter reacher is easier to hold for longer. Trigger effort matters for people with arthritis or weak grip. Try squeezing the trigger: it should close the jaws firmly without a hard squeeze.
Jaw design
Wide jaws pick up larger items like a cushion; narrow jaws handle a coin or pen. Rubber or foam tips grip smooth objects. Some jaws rotate so the user can pick items from different angles.
Magnetic tip
A small magnet at the tip collects keys, pins and paper clips without needing the jaws.
Folding
Folding reachers fit in a bag or car, which is useful for travel or for keeping one in several rooms.
Reachers to consider
The FitPlus PowerGrip T9 is a foldable reacher with a wide jaw, a steel cable and textured rubberized jaw tips.
FitPlus PowerGrip T9 Reacher Grabber
Foldable reacher; wide jaw; steel cable; textured rubberized jaw tips
Pros
- Wide jaw for bigger items
- Folds for storage
Cons
- Long reachers get tiring with heavy items
- Not for very small items without care
The Cubii Health reacher has a 32-inch handle, flexible foam tips, a magnetic tip and a pulling lug, and its listing says it holds objects up to about 1 lb.
Cubii Health Reacher, 32 in.
32 in. handle; flexible foam rubber tips; magnetic tip; jaws open about 3 in.; holds objects up to about 1 lb; pulling lug
Pros
- Magnetic tip for keys and pins
- Light
Cons
- 1 lb limit
- Narrow jaw
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| FitPlus PowerGrip T9 Reacher Grabber | Foldable reacher; wide jaw; steel cable; textured rubberized jaw tips | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Cubii Health Reacher, 32 in. | 32 in. handle; flexible foam rubber tips; magnetic tip; jaws open about 3 in.; holds objects up to about 1 lb; pulling lug | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Using a reacher safely
- Stand or sit steadily before reaching. Use the reacher from a stable chair if balance is uncertain.
- Keep the free hand on a counter, rail or chair for support.
- Grip the item near its middle, not the edge.
- Lift slowly and keep the item close to the body when bringing it in.
- Do not reach above shoulder height for anything that could fall and hurt you.
Reachers and grip strength
People with arthritis or weak hands can find trigger reachers tiring. Look for a large, padded trigger that uses the whole hand rather than one finger. Some reachers have a locking trigger that holds the jaws closed once squeezed, so the user can carry an item without holding the trigger the whole way. Try a reacher in the store if possible, or keep the packaging until you are sure it suits.
Pair with other small aids
A reacher is part of a set of small aids that reduce bending and twisting. Lever converters for round doorknobs help weak hands; see our guide to doorknob to lever converters. Stand-assist handles help with getting up from chairs; see our couch cane guide. Long-handled shoehorns and sock aids help with dressing.
Rearranging to reduce reaching
A reacher helps, but so does moving things. Keep everyday items between waist and shoulder height. Move heavy pans and appliances to lower cupboards or counters. Use lazy Susans in deep cupboards so items rotate to the front. Fewer reaches means fewer chances to lose balance.
Care
Check that the jaws close evenly and the tips are intact. Replace worn rubber tips if the maker sells spares. Wipe the reacher clean, and do not leave it where someone could trip over it. A wall hook or clip keeps it in reach and off the floor.
Choosing for someone else
If you are buying a reacher for a parent, think about how they will use it most. If they mostly drop small items by their chair, a lighter, shorter reacher with grippy tips may be best. If they want to pick up laundry or larger items, wider jaws help. If they travel, a folding model is easier. Ask them to try squeezing the trigger many times in a row; a reacher that is fine for one pickup can be tiring for ten.
Reachers in the kitchen
In the kitchen, reachers are useful for pulling a box of cereal forward or retrieving a dropped spoon. Avoid using them near the stove or with hot items, and do not lift glass jars or cans from high shelves.
A turntable for deep cupboards
Deep corner cupboards are one of the main reasons people reach and twist in the kitchen. A turntable brings the back of the shelf to the front with a spin. Non-slip turntables like this 4-pack keep jars and bottles from sliding off as they turn, and suit fridges and pantry shelves as well.
10-inch Non-Skid Lazy Susan Turntables, 4-pack
Four 10 in. plastic turntables; silicone non-slip surface; anti-slip feet
Pros
- Brings back-of-cabinet items forward
- Cuts down on reaching and bending
Cons
- Measure the shelf depth first
- Plastic, light-duty
Combined with a reacher for the odd item that falls behind, turntables can make a kitchen far easier to use without any remodeling.
Label shelves if several people share the kitchen, so items go back in the same easy-to-reach spot every time.
FAQ
What length reacher is best for seniors?
About 26 to 32 inches suits most people. Longer reachers reach further but are harder to control.
Can a reacher pick up coins?
Narrow jaws with rubber tips can, and a magnetic tip helps with metal items.
Are folding reachers as sturdy as fixed ones?
Many are, but check the joint locks firmly and does not wobble.
How much weight can a reacher lift?
Usually only light items. Check the listing; some state around 1 lb.
Are reachers good for arthritis?
A light reacher with a large, easy trigger can help. Try one before committing if possible.