The best reacher grabber for most Australians is a 66–81 cm medical-grade tool with padded jaws, a comfortable trigger handle, and a sturdy aluminium shaft. With dozens of options out there, from hardware store pick-up tools to purpose-built mobility aids, the difference between a good one and a frustrating one isn't obvious until you're relying on it every day.
In this article
- What to look for in a reacher grabber
- Our top reacher grabber picks
- Can I just use the one from Kmart or Bunnings?
Key takeaways
- Padded rubber jaws grip everyday objects without crushing them: suction tips work better for flat items like phones.
- 66 cm suits most people; 81 cm is the right fit if you're taller or recovering from hip surgery.
- Pistol-grip handles reduce hand strain for people living with arthritis.
- Hardware store grabbers aren't built for daily mobility use: jaw strength and handle ergonomics matter.
- Reacher grabbers are generally NDIS-claimable under Consumables.
What to look for in a reacher grabber
A good reacher feels natural to hold, grips what you need without slipping, and holds up to daily use. Here's what to compare.
Jaw grip material
Rubber-padded jaws are the go-to for most people. They grip cups, remotes, clothing, and small bottles without slipping or crushing. Suction-cup jaws work better for smooth flat surfaces like phones or paper. If you mainly reach for soft or delicate items, look for a jaw lining that says "soft grip" or "non-scratch."
Rotating jaws (also called 360-degree jaws) let you reach into awkward angles; behind furniture, under beds, or into narrow gaps. If you live alone and use your reacher throughout the day, a rotating-jaw model gives you a lot more freedom.
Shaft length (66 cm vs 81 cm)
The 66 cm length suits most people for everyday tasks: picking up dropped items, pulling on socks, reaching low shelves. The 81 cm length is the right fit if you're taller, use a wheelchair, or need extra reach after hip or knee surgery. Using one that's too short means you're still bending, which defeats the purpose.
| Length | Best for |
|---|---|
| 66 cm | General daily use, average height, in-home tasks |
| 81 cm | Taller users, wheelchair users, post-hip surgery |
Handle design for arthritis
This is where hardware-store reachers really fall short. Pistol-grip handles (the trigger sits at an angle, like a gun grip) require far less pinch force than straight handles. If you're living with arthritis or reduced hand strength, a pistol grip isn't just a comfort upgrade. It's what lets you actually use the tool without pain.
Soft-foam or rubber handle wraps also help. They reduce vibration and give a secure grip even on days when your hands feel weak or shaky.
Foldable vs fixed
Fixed reachers are more durable and tend to have stiffer jaws. Foldable models are easier to store in a bag or wheelchair pocket, which is handy if you travel or move between rooms a lot. If you're buying one for home use only, a fixed model will usually last longer. For someone who's out and about, a fold-flat reacher is well worth it.
Our top reacher grabber picks
We've put together a shortlist from our long-handled reacher range — one pick for each situation. Every model ships across Australia, with most orders arriving within 3 business days.
Best overall
A 66 cm aluminium reacher with rubber-padded rotating jaws and a pistol-grip trigger. It handles most household tasks without fuss, and the rotating head means you're not re-positioning yourself to get a good angle. Our most-purchased model for a reason.
Best for arthritis
This model pairs a foam-wrapped pistol grip with a wide-opening soft jaw. The reduced pinch force makes it the right fit for anyone managing arthritis in their hands or wrists. The lighter aluminium shaft also means less fatigue during longer tasks.
Best for post-surgery recovery
At 81 cm, this model gives the extra reach needed after hip or knee replacement surgery. No bending past the restricted angle your surgeon has set. The angled jaw means you can pick up clothing or socks from the floor without twisting. If you're recovering at home, this one earns its place quickly.
Best value
Our entry-level 66 cm fixed reacher. Simple, solid, and reliable for everyday tasks. It has a straight rubber-grip handle and standard pincer jaws. If you want a no-fuss option to keep in the kitchen or by the armchair, this one does the job well.
| Model | Length | Foldable | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotating Jaw Reacher | 66 cm | No | Best overall |
| Foam-Grip Pistol Reacher | 66 cm | No | Best for arthritis |
| Extra-Long Angled Reacher | 81 cm | No | Post-surgery recovery |
| Standard Fixed Reacher | 66 cm | No | Best value |
Can I just use the one from Kmart or Bunnings?
It's a fair question, and we get it a lot. The short answer: it depends on what you need it for. If you're grabbing litter in the garden or picking up something off a high shelf once in a while, a hardware store grabber works fine. If you're relying on one every day for dressing, picking up dropped items, or managing a health condition, a mobility-grade reacher is worth the difference.
What makes a mobility-grade reacher different
Hardware store grabbers (like those sold at Bunnings) are designed for DIY tasks: picking up rubbish, retrieving dropped tools. Their jaws are typically thin, the rubber is stiff, and the handles aren't designed for weak grip strength. Under daily use, the jaw mechanism wears quickly.
Mobility-grade reachers are built for people who depend on them. They have:
- Wider, softer padded jaws that grip without crushing
- Ergonomic pistol-grip or soft-wrap handles designed for reduced hand strength
- Higher load ratings (typically 1–2 kg) so they handle everyday objects reliably
- Sturdier shaft construction that holds up to regular daily use
For someone who relies on a reacher every day, that difference in durability and comfort shows quickly. We've seen customers come back after a Bunnings grabber failed within weeks of daily use. Our daily living aids range is built to a different standard.
Does NDIS cover reacher grabbers?
Yes, in most cases. Reacher grabbers are generally claimable under the NDIS Consumables support category. This covers low-cost daily living items that help you manage your independence at home. You don't usually need an occupational therapist's report for consumables under a certain price threshold, but we recommend checking your current plan and support budgets.
For more detail on how NDIS funding works with daily living aids, see our NDIS frequently asked questions guide. If you're unsure whether your specific situation qualifies, your support coordinator or Local Area Coordinator is the best person to ask.
Finding the right reacher for you
The right reacher grabber is one of those tools you don't appreciate until you have it. Getting dressed without asking for help, picking up keys without lowering yourself to the floor — small things that add up. For most Australians, a 66 cm model with rubber jaws and a pistol grip covers everything. Add an 81 cm model if you're tall or recovering from surgery, and a foldable one if you travel.
We offer free shipping on all orders, 95% delivered within 3 business days, and no restocking fees if it's not the right fit. Browse our full long-handled reacher range and find the one that works for you.