Get These Grabber Tools for Picking Up Garbage, Reaching for High Shelves, or Yard Work
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Perhaps you need something to pick up trash in the yard. Maybe you just had surgery and you need a little help reaching the remote. Maybe you’re just short and want an easier way to reach the top shelf. We’re not going to ask why you’re in the market for a grabber tool, just know that whatever you’re using this gizmo for will probably have an effect on what kind you need.
How Does a Grabber Tool Work?
Essentially just a long stick with a handle on one end and some sort of claw or grabbing mechanism on the other, the best grabber tools are used to pick up items that you, for whatever reason, cannot. Really heavy-duty models can lift heavy items like bricks, but most people generally only need something that can reliably grab that can of soda on the counter. Here is what to think about.
Grab Mechanism: Some are basic claws, often with rubber grips to provide better friction and hold. Other models have magnetized ends, and still others use suction cups. Claws with good grip functions (and a sturdy base) are more likely to be useful for larger or heavier objects, while magnets are great for picking up small coins or treasure hunting in the front yard.
Length: Too short, and your stick is basically useless. Too long, and it’s incredibly awkward to use and therefore becomes useless as well. In general, we think 32 inches is the real sweet spot.
Ergonomic Handle: Look for thoughtfully-designed and cushioned handles that are intended to be comfortable in your grip. Otherwise, the grabber can become extremely uncomfortable to use extremely quickly.
1. FitPlus Premium Grabber Tool
You’ll be surprised at how well this FitPlus tool picks up even small or flat things like cherry pits or slips of paper. Its extra strength metal bar holds up over time, and the texturized rubber grips make it easy to grab just about anything. We also love that it rotates and adjusts to reach far-away or awkwardly hidden objects you’d never get to otherwise. Users approve of this guy both for trash pickup and assisting the elderly with picking up items around the house.
2. Unger Professional Nifty Nabber Grabber Tool
This two-in-one design gets you a heavy-duty claw and a magnetized head, which allows you to pick up nails, keys, coins and more. The sturdy claw comes with rubberized grips, and its unique design means it is capable of grabbing even oddly-shaped items.
3. Extra Long Grabber Reacher
The soft-grip trigger and padded ergonomic handle make this gripper tool remarkably comfortable to handle, while the tips are narrow enough to grasp even very tiny items like hairpins or wires. As far as durability goes, the shaft is made of rust-proof lightweight aluminum and the internal wire is steel cable — both designed for longevity.
This set gets you a two-pack of grabbers – perfect for keeping around the house or for tossing one in your car too.
4. Vive Suction Cup Reacher Grabber
Many find that the suction cups on the ends of this grabber’s claw are much more effective for grabbing objects, which is why we included it on our list. We wouldn’t recommend trying it on super heavy objects, but for small things like changing lightbulbs or snatching an errant computer cord, it can’t be beat.