How to Find Your Perfect Reacher

Reachers are a helpful tool for picking up things that are out of reach. They’re great for anyone with mobility problems, including seniors. Whether your doctor recommended getting a reacher, your friend has one and you’d like a similar option, or you decided to get one on your own, choosing a reacher can be hard.

There are so many options and even a variety of names like grabber or nabber. But they are helpful, especially for reaching items of high shelves or picking things up from the ground without bending over. So we’re here to help you sort through the options.

What are you looking for in a reacher?

General All-Purpose Reacher: This reacher is helpful for most chores. It has a slip resistant jaw that can rotate 360° for hard-to-reach areas. The magnet can pick up small magnetic items like paper clips and the hook helps with dressing. It’s available in 24”, 30”, and 34” lengths that all have whole hand triggers that are great for people with limited hand strength.

Lightweight Reacher: Lightweight reachers are ideal if you lack muscle strength and need an easy-to-hold option. This reacher is great for holding smaller objects up to one pound in weight. The 26” or 32” options come in silver, blue, or red, and have an optional strong magnet on the tip.

Ergonomic Handle Reachers: An ergonomic grip makes it easier to squeeze the handle to close the reacher’s jaws. They are especially helpful for people with hand or wrist arthritis who can’t use standard one finger triggers. The natural grip uses your whole hand which helps reduce pain during use. The 26” or 32” reachers also include a clip so you can attach it to your cane or wheelchair arm.

Folding Reacher: Foldable reachers are more convenient for using on the go. This 26” long reacher is made of lightweight aluminum and is easy to transport and stow. You can take it with for help when you’re out and about in places like a grocery store. The 3” jaw has a non-slip surface to help hold things and a magnetic tip.

Our Top Choice: The Sammons Preston Reacher

Why? Because it’s the reacher our customers like best. Here are some of their reasons:

• ☆☆☆☆☆ “I've used reachers on a daily [basis], several times a day for over 30 years! I've used every type of reacher out there, and I can tell you these are the best ones you can buy.” -Dojin, Amazon Customer
• ☆☆☆☆☆ “It lasts for years!...I had both hips replaced 11 years ago and this reacher was the first and only one ever used.” -Amazon customer
• ☆☆☆☆☆ “We own a good 6 or 8 of them and like this style grabber very much. Why?..It's strong and very lightweight. It can pick up a small pill from our wooden floor. It can pick up coins, paper, and even the heavier stuff like a book….They are very handy to have around and I often think what did people do before they were invented?” -Soup Lover, Amazon Customer

What do people use reachers for?

Extending your reach including:

• Reaching objects on high shelves
•  Boxes and cans in kitchen cabinets
•  Clothing in your closet
• Changing a lightbulb
•  Especially helpful if you’re short
• Pick up objects on the ground without bending
•  Reduces back strain
•  Easier for elderly with arthritis
•  Can be used when picking up trash outside
•  Helpful after hip replacement or knee replacement surgery
•  Useful for pulling up pants and tugging shirts into place when getting dressed
• And even… picking up the remote without getting out of your chair

Accessories for Holding Your Reacher

Reacher Clip: Some reachers include a clip, but if your reacher doesn’t have one, you can buy a universal clip. This makes it easy to clip the reacher onto your wheelchair, walker, or bed frame so you have it when you need it.

Reacher Bag: If you’d prefer sliding your reacher into a bag, that’s also an option. Easily fasten this bag to any walker leaving your hands free. Focus on walking without needing to hold onto your reacher at the same time to reduce your risk of slipping and falling.

Shop our whole selection of reachers!

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.