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You can climb on a step stool to reach those reachable items on high bookshelves and cabinets, or you can plant 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 much safer option than climbing a ladder. Grandstands are also an essential tool for people with mobility issues who may struggle to reach high or low-level objects. The jaws of a grabber tool are designed to grip objects ranging from canned food to small pieces of glass. Some even feature integrated magnets that make it easy 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 different sizes and shapes, which can make choosing the right one a challenge. We tested seven top models and found the Wave Suction Cup Reacher Grabber Tool, with its sturdy metal construction and smart jaw design, to be the best of the bunch. Next, we break down why View is the best grabber tool while also presenting our findings on other models we’ve tested.
Overall excellent
Image: Amazon
What do we like?
- Excellent jaw strength
- The suction cups grip all kinds of objects with ease
- Strong square shaped aluminum shaft
Product specs
-
Length:
32 inches
-
materials:
Aluminium
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Weight:
8 oz
Our rating
| grip | 5/5 | Build quality | 5/5 | Ergonomics | 5/5 |
The Vive’s smart design and sturdy construction put it in a class by itself. While most gripping tools we tested use U-shaped claws with rubber teeth, the Wave’s jaws consist of a laminated metal bend with rubber suction cups. During testing, those suction cups conformed to objects of different sizes and shapes, creating a tighter grip than a traditional claw-style grubber tool. Large glass candles, canned food, sets of keys, small glass bottles, books. It didn’t matter. View captured each item easily.
Along with the grip, we also found that the View produced more grip 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 doing all the work. We were able to lift heavy books, 16-ounce glasses of water, and 15-ounce cans of pumpkin pie filler without putting a death grip on the trigger to keep these items from sliding off the jaw.
The square shaped aluminum shaft of this heavy duty grabber tool is also quite strong. Unlike other tools we’ve tested, we didn’t experience bending or bending even when lifting objects weighing several pounds. And since this arm extender only weighs half a pound, you won’t mind going after heavy objects with it.
Our only complaint with the Wave Grabber tool is that its 32-inch reach is on the short side. We would have liked 4 more inches of reach so we could more easily grab items on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet.
Get the rugged reacher Amazon or vive health.
While the Wave Claw Grabbing Tool earned our top spot, we also recommend the Grabber Sticks below. Our list includes several budget-priced rushers and catchers, such as Zaid Grabber Reacher Tooland those with an extra long reach, incl EZPIK 40 inch long reach tool.
Zaid Grabber Reacher Tool
Fig. Rugged Rager
EZPIK 40 inch long reach tool
RMS feeder weight original reacher
Kikay 36 Inch Grabber Reacher Tool
Archmate EZ Reacher Grabber
We made an initial selection of seven grabber tools by comparing specs such as length, build quality, ease of use and weight. After collecting our top picks, we put each 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 objects of various weights, sizes and shapes, including canned food, water glasses, sets of keys, remote controls, balls and tools. During testing, we noted how easy it was to grip large, small, and irregularly shaped objects. We also assessed grip strength, reach, and each gripper’s resting grip and grip weight. Along with performance, we also considered build quality, awarding points for grabbers that can safely hold heavy objects without stopping.
General Questionnaire
After learning more about the many features and capabilities of the Reacher Grabber tools, you may have some new or lingering questions. Keep reading for answers to commonly asked questions about these devices.
It can be an invaluable tool for seniors and those who struggle to stand or bend, allowing them to reach objects and operate equipment that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach. They also allow users to reach items on high shelves, or they can be used to add trash to the trash without straining the refuse or risking injury from touching broken glass.
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 from the shaft to the jaws, causing the jaws to close and grip an object.
Use the pickup tool by extending the grabber until the jaws are around the desired object. Squeeze the trigger to close the jaws on the item. Keep pressure on the trigger and move the object to a place where you can access it without the grabber.
Grab tools are capable of lifting objects weighing up to about 22 pounds. The grabber may not be able to hold objects that weigh more than it firmly. Also, keep in mind that heavier objects require the user to apply more force with their grip to keep them from slipping out of the gripper’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 sites such as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SF Gate, ProTools Review, and more.
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