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You can climb onto a step stool to get to those out-of-reach items on high bookshelves and cabinets, or you can keep your feet firmly on the ground and use a grabber tool. These handy tools can extend your reach up to 40 inches, making them a safer option than climbing on a ladder. Grabbers are also an essential tool for those with mobility issues who may struggle to reach objects that are up high or down low. A grabber tool’s jaws are designed to grip items ranging from canned food to small pieces of glass. Some even feature integrated magnets that make it easier to pick up small metal objects, such as a set of keys.
Grabber tools can vary in weight, length, and their ability to pick up objects of various sizes and shapes, which can make choosing the right one a challenge. We tested seven top models and found the Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber Tool, with its sturdy metal construction and smart jaw design, to be the best of the bunch. Ahead, we break down why the Vive is the best grabber tool while also presenting our findings on the other models we tested.
Grabber Tools Comparison Chart
| Product | Length | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber Tool | 32 inches | Aluminum | 8 ounces |
| Zayad Grabber Reacher Tool | 32 inches | Aluminum | 8.6 ounces |
| Unger Rugged Reacher | 42 inches | Plastic and metal | 1.1 pounds |
| EZPik 40-Inch Long Reach Grabber Tool | 40 inches | Aluminum and plastic | 11 ounces |
| RMS Featherweight The Original Reacher | 32 inches | Aluminum | 6 ounces |
| Kekoy 36-inch Grabber Reacher Tool | 32 inches | Aluminum and plastic | 8.75 ounces |
| ArcMate EZ Reacher Grabber | 20 inches | Aluminum | 6.7 ounces |
Best Overall
Photo: Amazon
What We Like
- Excellent jaw strength
- Suction cups grip all types of objects easily
- Sturdy square-shaped aluminum shaft
What We Don’t Like
- Reach is a little short
Product Specs
- Length: 32 inches
- Matherial: Aluminum
- Weight: 8 ounces
Our Ratings
| Grip | 5/5 | Build Quality | 5/5 | Ergonomics | 5/5 |
Vive’s smart design and sturdy construction put it in a class by itself. While most of the grabber tools we tested use a U-shaped claw with rubberized teeth, the Vive’s jaws consist of layered metal bends with rubber suction cups. During testing, those suction cups conformed to objects of various sizes and shapes, creating a tighter grip than the traditional claw-style grabber tool. Large glass candles, canned foods, sets of keys, small glass vials, books. It didn’t matter. The Vive securely grabbed each item with ease.
Along with grip, we also found that the Vive created more gripping force than other grabber tools. It uses metal bands that apply tension to the suction cup jaws when you squeeze the trigger, saving your hands from having to do all the work. We were able to lift heavy books, a 16-ounce glass of water, and a 15-ounce can of pumpkin pie filler without having to put a death grip on the trigger to keep those objects from slipping out of the jaws.
This heavy-duty grabber tool’s square-shaped aluminum shaft is also quite strong. Unlike other grabber tools we tested, we experienced no bending or bowing even when lifting objects weighing several pounds. And since this arm extender itself weighs just half a pound, you won’t mind going after heavier objects with it.
Our only complaint with the Vive grabber tool is that its 32-inch reach is on the short side. We’d have liked another 4 inches of reach so we could more easily grab items on the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet.
Get the Rugged Reacher at Amazon or Vive Health.
More Grabber Tools Worth Your Money
While the Vive claw grabbing tool earned our top spot, we also recommend the grabber sticks below. Our list includes several budget-priced reachers and grabbers, such as the Zayad Grabber Reacher Tool, and those with an extra-long reach, including the EZPik 40-Inch Long Reach Grabber Tool.
How We Tested the Best Grabber Tools
We made our initial selection of seven grabber tools by comparing specs such as length, build quality, ease of use, and weight. After assembling our top picks, we put each grabber tool through a series of tests to see how well it picked up objects and how easy it was to use. We used them to pick up things of various weights, sizes, and shapes, including canned food, glasses of water, sets of keys, remote controls, balls, and tools. During testing, we considered how easy it was to grip large, small, and irregularly shaped objects. We also assessed grip strength, reach, and the weight each grabber could comfortably grip and hold. Along with performance, we also considered build quality, awarding points for grabbers that could hold heavier objects securely without bowing.
| Product | Grip | Grip | Ergonomics | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber Tool | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Zayad Grabber Reacher Tool | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Unger Rugged Reacher | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| EZPik 40-Inch Long Reach Grabber Tool | 4.1/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3.8/5 |
| RMS Featherweight The Original Reacher | 4.1/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Kekoy 36-inch Grabber Reacher Tool | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 | 4/5 | 4.8/5 |
| ArcMate EZ Reacher Grabber | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
FAQs
After learning more about the many features and capabilities of reacher grabber tools, you may have some new or lingering questions. Keep reading for the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about these devices.
Q. What is a grabber used for?
Grabbers can be an invaluable tool for seniors and those who struggle to stand or bend over, allowing them to reach objects and operate appliances they may not otherwise be able to reach. They also allow users to reach items on high shelves, or they can be used as trash grabbers to collect refuse without back strain or risking injury from touching broken glass.
Q. How do grabbers work?
Grabbers have large handles with triggers that operate a set of jaws. When the operator squeezes the trigger on the handle, it pulls a wire that runs through the shaft to the jaws, causing the jaws to close and grip an object.
Q. How do you use a reacher grabber?
Use a pick-up tool by extending the grabber until the jaws are around the desired object. Squeeze the trigger to close the jaws on the item. Maintain pressure on the trigger and move the object to a location where you can access it without the grabber.
Q. Are grabber tools strong enough to pick up heavy items?
Grabbing tools are capable of picking up objects that weigh up to about 2 pounds. Grabbers may not be able to firmly hold objects that weigh more than that. Also, keep in mind that heavier objects require the user to apply more force with their grip to prevent them from sliding out of the grabber’s jaws.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SFGate, Pro Tools Review, and more.
