How Does a Reacher Work?

A reacher consists of:

• A long shaft: Extends your reach by 18 to 35 inches
• A jaw or claw: Opens and closes to grip items
• A trigger handle: Squeeze to close the jaw, release to open
• Specialized tips: May include rubber grips, magnets, or hooks for different tasks

Simply position the jaw around the item you want to pick up, squeeze the trigger to grip it securely, and lift or move the item where you need it.

What Can You Pick Up with a Reacher?

Reachers are incredibly versatile tools that help with countless everyday tasks:

• TV remotes, mobile phones, and tablets
• Mugs, glasses, and bottles
• Car keys, house keys, and hearing aid batteries
• Clothing items from wardrobes or floors
• Books, magazines, and newspapers
• Items from high shelves or cupboards
• Dropped items under furniture
• Post through the letterbox
• Items in the garden or outdoor spaces
• Curtains and blinds

People with Limited Mobility

• Wheelchair users who need to reach items on the floor or high surfaces
• Those recovering from hip, knee, or back surgery
• People with arthritis or joint pain
• Individuals with limited range of motion in shoulders or arms

People with Chronic Conditions

• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke survivors
• Those with muscular dystrophy or weakness
• People with balance issues who shouldn't bend or stretch

Older Adults

• Those who find bending painful or risky
• People wanting to maintain independence at home
• Anyone concerned about falls from overreaching

People with Weakened Grip

• Arthritis in hands or wrists
• Reduced dexterity
• Hand tremors
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Temporary Injuries

• Broken bones or fractures
• Post-surgical recovery
• Sports injuries
• Pregnancy (when bending is difficult)

Why Choose Helping Hand Reachers?

• NHS Approved: Their reachers are used throughout the NHS and meet healthcare standards
• Healthcare Professional Developed: Designed in collaboration with occupational therapists and physiotherapists
• Award Winning: Received the Queen's Award for International Trade in 2019, recognizing their excellence and innovation
• Over 60 Years Experience: Decades of expertise in creating mobility aids
• Quality Construction: Durable, reliable products built to last
• Tested and Proven: Used daily by thousands of people to maintain independent living

Classic Pro Reacher

The Classic Pro is our most popular all-purpose reacher, recognized by its distinctive black and yellow design.

Key Features:

• Non-slip jaw: Textured rubber surface provides a secure hold on various objects, even smooth or slippery items
• Magnetic tip: Perfect for picking up small metal items like keys, coins, cutlery, and hearing aid batteries
• Hooked trigger: Doubles as a dressing aid for pulling up zips or loops
• Dressing post: Unique feature ideal for pulling up socks, tights, and trousers without bending
• Lightweight construction: Easy to handle and maneuver
• Comfortable grip: Ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue

Best For: General everyday use, picking up small items, dressing assistance, retrieving dropped keys or cutlery

Available Lengths:

• 66cm (26 inches) - ideal for indoor use and wheelchair users
• 81cm (32 inches) - better for reaching high shelves or picking items from the floor while standing

Folding Classic Pro Reacher

Experience all the benefits of the Classic Pro in a portable, space-saving design.

Everything the Classic Pro Offers, Plus:

• Folds in half: Reduces length by 50% for easy storage
• Perfect for travel: Fits in bags, rucksacks, or handbags
• Wheelchair-friendly: Store beside your wheelchair or in a side pocket
• Easy folding mechanism: Simply find the folding point and split in two
• Locks securely: Stays folded when not in use, extends firmly when needed

Best For: People on the go, wheelchair users, anyone with limited storage space, keeping in the car

Available Lengths:

• 68cm (27 inches) when extended
• 89cm (35 inches) when extended - our longest reacher for maximum reach

Classic Max Gel Handle Reacher

The Classic Max is specially designed for people with weakened hand strength, arthritis, or tremors.

Specialized Features:

• Unique molded gel handle: Provides the most comfortable and secure grip in the entire range
• Straight trigger design: Requires less pressure to operate than standard triggers
• Tremor reduction: The gel handle absorbs and reduces hand tremors for better control
• Arthritis-friendly: Gentle on painful joints, reduces strain on fingers and wrists
• Non-slip jaw: Same secure grip as the Classic Pro
• Magnetic tip included: Pick up metal items with ease

Best For: People with Parkinson's disease, arthritis, weakened dexterity, hand tremors, or reduced grip strength

Available Lengths:

• 66cm (26 inches)
• 81cm (32 inches)

Handi-Grip Pro

The Handi-Grip Pro features our innovative rotating gripcert claw and jaw system for versatile gripping.

Key Features:

• Rotating claw: Jaw rotates 360 degrees to grip items at any angle
• Superior grip on bottles and jars: Specially designed jaw pattern holds round objects securely
• Excellent for floor pickup: Rotating head makes it easy to position the jaw correctly
• Curtain and blind friendly: Perfect for drawing curtains or adjusting blinds
• Hooked trigger: Doubles as a dressing aid
• Yellow stick clip included: Attach to walkers, wheelchairs, or rollators for easy access
• Versatile jaw opening: Grips both tiny items and larger objects

Best For: Kitchen use, picking up bottles and containers, people who need to grip varied item sizes, curtain assistance

Available Lengths:

• 66cm (26 inches)
• 81cm (32 inches)

Handi-Grip Mini

At just 18 inches (46cm), the Handi-Grip Mini is our most compact reacher - perfect for those with limited arm strength or space constraints.

Compact Design Benefits:

• Ultra-lightweight: Weighs significantly less than full-size reachers
• Requires minimal arm movement: Ideal for people with limited shoulder or arm mobility
• Perfect for children: Easier for young people to handle and control
• Wheelchair user friendly: Ideal length for wheelchair users who don't need long reach
• Fits anywhere: Store in handbags, wheelchair pouches, or beside your chair
• Rotating claw: All the functionality of the Handi-Grip Pro in a compact size

Best For: Wheelchair users, children, people with limited arm movement, close-range tasks, those wanting a compact grab tool for everyday carry

Length: 18 inches (46cm)

Handi-Grip Max Reacher

Combining the rotating claw technology with the comfort of a gel handle, the Handi-Grip Max is perfect for those who need both versatility and ease of use.

Premium Features:

• Molded gel grip: Same comfortable, tremor-reducing handle as the Classic Max
• Straight trigger: Requires less hand strength to operate
• Locking grip: Unique feature that locks the jaw closed, eliminating the need to keep squeezing
• Rotating claw: 360-degree rotation for perfect positioning
• Ideal for reduced strength: The locking mechanism means you don't need to maintain grip pressure while holding items
• Arthritis and Parkinson's friendly: Minimal effort required to use effectively

Best For: People with significantly weakened hand strength, those who struggle to maintain grip, Parkinson's disease, severe arthritis, anyone who needs to hold items for extended periods

Available Lengths:

• 66cm (26 inches)
• 81cm (32 inches)

Choose the Classic Range If:

• You frequently pick up small items like keys, cutlery, or coins
• You need the magnetic tip for metal objects
• You want the unique dressing post feature
• You need a folding option for portability
• You primarily pick up lightweight, delicate items
• You value the versatile dressing aid features

Choose the Handi-Grip Range If:

• You often pick up bottles, jars, and containers
• You need to grip items at different angles
• You want the rotating claw for versatility
• You need to draw curtains or adjust blinds regularly
• You want the ultra-compact Mini for portability
• You need the locking grip feature of the Max (for reduced hand strength)
• You need a stick clip to attach to mobility aids

18 Inches (46cm) - Handi-Grip Mini

Best for:

• Wheelchair users who need close-range reach
• Children or young people
• People with very limited arm strength
• Tasks within arm's length
• Compact storage and portability

26 Inches (66cm)

Best for:

• Indoor use in smaller spaces
• Picking up items from chairs, tables, and low surfaces
• Wheelchair users who need medium reach
• People with moderate mobility restrictions
• Easier to maneuver in tight spaces

32 Inches (81cm)

Best for:

• Picking items up from the floor without bending
• Reaching high shelves and cupboards
• Taller individuals
• People who should avoid bending completely
• General purpose use around the home

35 Inches (89cm) - Folding Classic Pro

Best for:

• Maximum reach from standing position
• Very high shelves or cupboards
• Deep cupboards or hard-to-reach spaces
• Outdoor use in gardens
• People who want the longest reach but need folding portability

Basic Technique

1. Position yourself safely: Stand or sit in a stable position with good balance
2. Open the jaw: Release the trigger completely to open the jaw wide
3. Position around the object: Place the jaw on either side of the item you want to pick up
4. Squeeze the trigger: Apply steady pressure to close the jaw and grip the item
5. Lift slowly: Raise the reacher smoothly, keeping the item level
6. Move carefully: Transfer the item to where you need it
7. Release: Open the trigger to drop or place the item

Tips for Success

• Practice with lightweight items first: Build confidence before attempting heavier objects
• Grip in the middle: For best balance, grip items in their center of gravity
• Use the magnet for metal items: If your reacher has a magnetic tip, use it for keys, coins, and cutlery
• Rotate for better angles: With Handi-Grip models, rotate the claw to find the perfect grip position
• Don't overload: Most reachers handle 1-2 kg comfortably; avoid picking up very heavy items
• Keep it dry: Wet jaws may slip; ensure items and reacher jaws are dry for best grip

Special Techniques

Using the dressing post (Classic range):

• Hook the post through sock or trouser leg
• Pull up while sitting
• Eliminates need to bend forward

Using the locking grip (Handi-Grip Max):

• Squeeze trigger to grip item
• Engage the locking mechanism
• Release hand pressure - grip stays locked
• Perfect for holding items while you do other tasks

Drawing curtains:

• Use Handi-Grip for best results
• Grip curtain edge near the top
• Pull in a smooth, steady motion

Keeping Your Reacher in Top Condition

• Clean regularly: Wipe jaw and handle with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Dry thoroughly: Ensure reacher is completely dry to maintain grip effectiveness
• Check the jaw: Inspect rubber tips periodically for wear or damage
• Test the trigger: Ensure smooth operation; if it becomes stiff, contact customer service
• Store properly: Keep in a dry place, hang on a hook if possible
• Don't force it: If an item won't grip, reposition rather than forcing
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't leave in hot cars or freezing conditions

When to Replace Your Reacher

Consider replacing your reacher if:

• The jaw doesn't close properly or grip weakens
• The trigger becomes difficult to operate
• You notice cracks or damage to the shaft
• Rubber tips are worn smooth
• The folding mechanism (if applicable) becomes loose

How much weight can a reacher hold?

Most reachers can comfortably hold 1-2 kg (2-4 pounds). They're designed for everyday household items, not heavy objects. If you need to move heavier items, consider using a different mobility aid or asking for assistance.

Can I use a reacher outdoors?

Yes! Reachers are excellent for outdoor use - picking up items in the garden, reaching plants, or retrieving items that have fallen. However, avoid leaving them outdoors as weather exposure can damage them.

Will the magnet pick up all metal items?

The magnetic tip on Classic range reachers works with ferrous metals (iron and steel). It's perfect for keys, cutlery, coins, and hearing aid batteries. It won't pick up aluminum, copper, or other non-magnetic metals.

Can children use reachers?

Yes! The Handi-Grip Mini is particularly suitable for children due to its lightweight design and compact size. Adult supervision is recommended initially to teach proper technique.

Do I need a prescription to buy a reacher?

No, you don't need a prescription or medical approval to purchase a reacher. They're available to anyone who finds them useful.

Can I take my reacher on holiday?

Absolutely! The Folding Classic Pro is perfect for travel as it folds in half. All reachers are lightweight enough to pack in luggage. They can be taken on planes in checked or carry-on baggage.

How long do reachers last?

With proper care, a quality reacher from Helping Hand Company can last several years. The durability depends on frequency of use and how well it's maintained.

Are replacement parts available?

Contact Blue Badge Co. customer service about replacement parts. While reachers are designed to be long-lasting, we can help with any issues.

Should I buy one reacher or several?

Many customers find it helpful to have multiple reachers in different locations - one in the bedroom, one in the living room, one in the kitchen, and perhaps a folding one for the car. This ensures you always have one nearby when needed.

Quick Decision Guide

If you primarily need to:

• Pick up keys and small items → Classic Pro (for the magnetic tip)
• Help with dressing → Classic Pro or Folding Classic Pro (for the dressing post)
• Grip bottles and jars → Handi-Grip Pro
• Travel or need portability → Folding Classic Pro
• Manage with limited hand strength → Classic Max or Handi-Grip Max (gel handles)
• Hold items without squeezing → Handi-Grip Max (locking grip)
• Use from a wheelchair (close range) → Handi-Grip Mini
• Reach high shelves → 81cm or 89cm length options