The Best Reacher Grabber Tools of 2024

It's just out of reach: the TV remote, a dropped vitamin, or a book. We've all been there, but this experience is one most keenly felt in the disabled and aging communities. Fortunately, there is something called a “reacher grabber” tool—that is, a long metal or plastic instrument with a claw and/or suction cups on one end and a trigger on the other—that serves as an extension for the arm, hand, and fingers.

These tools are great for scooping up dropped items without having to bend down or collecting small objects from a high-up shelf without climbing on a step stool. For those with mobility constraints or conditions like cerebral palsy, the extra reach can be a lifeline.

But there are many grabber tools on the market with different features, like suction-tipped claws and even LED lights, making it difficult to know how to select the right one for your needs.

We tested 11 popular reacher grabber tools—including the well-advertised Birdrock, Grab-It, and Gopher—and landed on the Vive Rotating Reacher Grabber (available at Amazon) as the best reacher grabber for snagging items around the house.

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Other Reacher Grabbers We Tested

What You Should Know About Reacher Grabber Tools

How Do Reacher Grabbers Work?

A reacher grabber is a tool that works as an extension of the arm. There are different variations of the tool, but most have a claw-like end that grips items that would otherwise fit in someone's hand, a 2-to 3-foot-long rod in the middle, and a handle with a trigger on the opposite side to manipulate the claw.

What Are Reacher Grabbers Used For?

These tools allow users to pick items up without bending down or pull items off high shelves without straining or climbing to reach them. Also called grabber tools or grabber reachers, they are commonly used to pick up litter along roadsides or in parks. You can buy reacher grabbers at most major retailers.

How We Tested The Best Reacher Grabbers

Our testing of reacher grabbers consisted of three rounds: two objective rounds, in which Sarah tested the tools’ capability at performing various tasks, and one subjective round, in which Sarah evaluated how easy it was to use.

For the first objective round, Sarah used each reaching assist tool in a series of tests designed to mimic common tasks:

• Collecting a book, a can of vegetables, and a stuffed animal from a high shelf
  
• Pulling a notebook and a phone charger from an unzipped backpack
  
• Snagging a half-full glass of water and a remote control from a table in front of me
  
• Picking up a croquet ball, a stuffed animal, and a Lego brick off the floor
  

Next, Sarah used the top four best-performing reacher grabbers—the Vive rotating reacher, the Vive suction cup reacher, the Gopher, and the Birdrock—to perform more objective tests to determine their versatility and claw strength:

• Crushing an empty soda can
  
• Picking up vitamin pills from the floor
  
• Pinching a squishy stress ball without rupturing it
  
• Moving sandbags from place to place with both my dominant and non-dominant hand
  
• Picking up books of varying sizes to see if the grabber’s reacher claw had a weight limit
  

Finally, Sarah reviewed the user experience of each grabber reacher tool: what the handle felt like, how natural it felt to hold, how adjustable it was, and how using it differed between my dominant and non-dominant hand.

When testing for use with disabilities, we enlisted Kyle Ankney, a contributor who specializes in assistive aids for use with cerebral palsy. Through lived experience with the condition, he’s had a mixed relationship with reacher grabbers in the past.

He used the RMS Rotating Jaw and FitPlus PowerGrip T9 to pick up an iPhone 14 Pro Max, travel bag, wallet, credit card, pen, Fiji water bottle, pair of reading glasses, set of keys, and a paperback book. These were chosen as a solid selection of everyday objects those with limited mobility or dexterity may struggle to grab.

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How We Tested the Best Weed Wackers and String Trimmers

The Tests

We assembled each trimmer, taking note of how clear the manual instructions were, how much set-up was required, and how easy it was to install a new string. We looked at safety features, such as locking power switches and trimmer guards.

We also assessed how comfortable each unit was; if the weight was evenly distributed from top to bottom, if the controls were accessible, where the handles were situated, and if the shafts could be adjusted for better reach.

Then we put the trimmers to work on both short and tall grass, as well as tougher roots and weeds, seeing how quickly, efficiently and consistently they tackled each job, and maneuvered around edges and obstacles without running out of battery or breaking a string.

What To Know About the Best Weed Wackers and String Trimmers

While a gas string trimmer is generally preferred by professionals, an electric weed wacker makes more sense for a small yard and at-home use. Electric weed wackers come in corded or battery-powered versions, each with their own pros and cons, depending on what you're looking for. In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for amperage—averaging between 3.5 and 7.5—which generally affects the price, and assess how much power you really require for the size of your space.

Types of Weed Wackers and String Trimmers

Corded trimmers are generally lightest and least expensive, and they start with the push of a button. Unfortunately, they almost always require extension cords, which can be frustrating to wrangle while you’re working.

Battery-powered models offer the mobility of gas, without pull-starting, fueling, and fumes, but are heavier and more expensive than corded, and have a battery life with a run time between 30 and 60 minutes before needing a recharge.

As far as cordless trimmers, you'll want to look for options with a top-mounted motor, which tend to be better balanced (making them easier to handle) than models with motors mounted down near the cutting line.

Choosing The Best Weed Wacker

Lightweight, balanced, and low vibration models will always rate higher on our list since they make maneuvering around the yard easier. The ideal model string trimmer will also come equipped with spools, which make it easy to load a new line.

Whether you opt for a corded or cordless weed wacker, selecting a cutting swath (10 to 16 inches) that makes sense for what range you need is important in setting yourself up for success. If you're doing heavy-duty work in large areas you'll be better off with a large straight shaft, but if you're cleaning up smaller areas with light trimming a curved shaft is a better bet.

We also found that thicker strings and dual nylon lines are most effective for tougher weeds and unruly yards, while trimmers with swivel heads assist with creating clean edges and finishes in tune with your ideal landscape design

Choosing between corded and cordless tools isn't something we take lightly. Though it might sound like a simple convenience factor to some, using the right tool is important in getting the job done right, and safely. When it comes to string trimmers quiet motors or engines are obviously preferred, not only because you'll be hanging around directly above it but also to decrease noise pollution.

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