From picking up everyday items to aiding gardening tasks, these reach extenders provide essential support for seniors and others with mobility challenges.
For those struggling with mobility or bending over, grabber tools offer invaluable assistance in maintaining independence. Whether you’re elderly, disabled, or simply need a little extra help, these handy tools are perfect for reaching items that would otherwise be difficult to access.
New parents, for example, can use a grabber to collect fallen toys or nappies without leaving their newborn’s side. Gardeners can spare their backs from constant bending by using a reach extender to gather leaves and trimmings. They’re also useful for retrieving things from awkward spaces like behind sofas or in high cabinets, picking up litter, or even collecting broken glass safely. Some people even use them to rotate snacks while relaxing on the couch.
A typical grabber consists of a long arm with a handle, trigger, and claw for grasping. While the exact inventor of the device remains unclear, the Banu Musa brothers from 9th century Persia are often credited with creating the first clamshell-grabbing mechanism, while Benjamin Franklin is believed by some to have adapted it for reaching high shelves in the 18th century. Regardless of the origin, the grabber has certainly proved to be a brilliant invention designed to make life easier.
If you’re looking to buy one for yourself or a loved one, we’ve compiled the best options to suit various needs, including extendable models and those with built-in lights for low-visibility situations.
Here are some of the best grabbers currently available:
Thinkwork Grabber Reacher Tool
This versatile tool stands out with LED lighting for dim areas, a foldable arm, a rotating head, and a magnet for collecting metal items. At just 400g, it can handle objects up to 5lbs.
Price: £15.99
Buy on Amazon
Handy Reacher Grab Stick
Perfect for lightweight items, this grab stick features TPR jaws that securely grasp objects. Its compact design makes it easy to store when not in use.
Price: £10
Buy at Argos
NRS Combi Grabber Reaching Aid 660mm
Extending your reach by 26 inches, this grabber is lightweight and comes with a comfortable handle, built-in magnet, and a shoehorn for added convenience.
Price: £13.99
Buy at Boots
Kingfisher Reaching Tool
Gain an extra 76cm with this handy tool, which features rubber jaws for a secure grip. Ideal for grabbing items up to 8cm wide.
Price: £4.99
Buy at Robert Dyas
Aidapt Folding Handy Reacher Grab Stick
Great for on-the-go, this foldable reacher is made from rust-proof aluminium and includes a magnetised end to pick up small metal items like coins and keys.
Price: £12
Buy at Argos
SLAH 32-inch Litter Picker
Perfect for collecting litter or garden debris, this gripper extends to 81cm and features a 360-degree rotating head. It’s best suited for items weighing up to 500g.
Price: £9.99
Buy on Amazon
WNSC Reaching Assist Tool
Ideal for bin stores and outdoor tasks, this tool is useful for picking up litter, taking out the rubbish, and retrieving items from high shelves.
Price: £12
Buy at Robert Dyas
Whether for household chores, gardening, or simply extending your reach, these tools make a significant difference in everyday life for seniors and anyone in need of assistance.
