There are myriad reasons why someone might need the help of a grabber tool.
If you’re elderly, disabled or have trouble bending over, such an accessory can help you retain your independence.
New parents can also benefit from an extendable hand when they’re busy looking after their newborn, using it to reach fresh nappies or fallen toys without leaving baby’s side.
Gardeners can spare their backs from endless bending over piles of leaves and hedge trimmings by letting a grabber do the grunt work instead.
The tools are also great for things like litter-picking, getting to things in awkward spots like the back of the sofa or high cabinets, and picking up broken glass safely. They’re also pretty great at rotating TV snacks around the room without troubling yourself by getting off the sofa.
The handheld device typically consists of a long stem with a handle and trigger on one end and a claw for grasping on the other. The original inventor of the ‘long arm’ is disputed: some credit Persian inventors the Banu Musa brothers for dreaming up a clamshell-grabbing mechanism way back in the 9th century, while others believe it was America’s Benjamin Franklin who made the device to reach his favourite books on high shelves.
Whoever came up with the idea, one thing’s for sure. It’s an excellent invention designed with the sole purpose of making lives easier.
If you’re considering buying a grabbing tool, for yourself or someone you know who could use one, we’ve rounded up the best options to choose from below.
From extendable reaches to designs with lights for better visibility, there’s something for every every need.
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THINKWORK Grabber Reacher Tool
Leaving all other grabbers in the dust, this reaching accessory has it all, from LED lighting to help you see in dark spots or poor lighting, to a foldable arm with a rotating head and a magnet to collect small metal objects. The lightweight look (400g) is sturdier than it seems and can pick objects weighing up to 5lbs, more than any other on our list.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Handy Reacher Grab Stick
If you’ve accidentally knocked things over or can’t get the box you need at the top of the cupboard, give your arms an extra boost thanks to this grab stick. Perfect for accessing lightweight items, TPR jaws grab and hold light objects firmly. The compact design is easy to store and can be stashed in a corner or cabinet when not in use.
Buy now £10.00, Argos
NRS Combi Grabber Reaching Aid 660mm
Fantasise no longer about adding 26 inches to your reach; this aid makes that dream a reality. With a comfortable handle, built-in magnet and a shoe horn, the lightness of the grabber makes it the one to reach for when faced with a whole variety of jobs.
Buy now £13.99, Boots
Kingfisher Reaching Tool
Why bend when you can point and pick with Kingfisher’s Reaching Tool? Gain 76 extra centimetres using this device, which comes with a set of secure rubber jaws on the end for easy grip. Suitable on objects up to 8cm wide.
Buy now £4.99, Robert Dyas
Aidapt Folding Handy Reacher Grab Stick
Perfect for keeping in your bag when you’re on the move, this foldable reacher makes picking up awkward bits and pieces off the floor or high up a breeze. The lightweight design is made from rust-proof aluminium and as well as a claw grip, also has a magnetised end for picking up things like keys and coins.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
SLAH 32inches Litter Pickers
Made from strong yet flexible ABS plastic, this gripper features tiny bumps on the claws, helping to increase its hold. The head rotates 360 degrees and extends to 81cm, making it ideal for collecting things low on the ground, from litter and garden leaves to accidentally dropped essentials. Best used on small items that weigh no more than 500g.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
WNSC Reaching Assist Tool
Bin stores can be gross, messy places. Keep your hands free of all manner of muck with this tool that does the dirty work for you. As well as taking the bins out and picking up litter, some users have found the tool useful for getting dressed and reaching for things on high-up shelves while out and about.
Buy now £10.50, Amazon
Verdict
With lights, a foldable arm and magnet to help lift objects off the floor, Thinkwork's Grabber Reacher Tool makes grabbing great again. The fact it can manage weights of 5lbs or more increases its usability in our eyes. Winner.
