Customizable Reaching Tool, Grabber

Reaching for items in the workshop (and around the home and outdoors) can lead to more strain and less productivity. Its very frustrating dropping a part and having it roll under your workbench. With ergonomics being about making our work environment adapt to us, leading to less strain and more productivity, I have designed a 3D printed extendo grabber. There are commercial solutions available, but none that are 3D printable and customizable.

What you will need: 5 #6 x 0.4" countersunk screws and a rubber band.

When assembling start with the pincher end.

select the arms you would like to use and place them in the gripper main body with the arm puller as shown in the image below. Then add your rubber bands for retraction. you can customize the force with the thickness or number of bands. Next screw the grip top plate on

Next, you need to decide on length. the shortest variation provided uses just the shaft and handle puller. if you want a longer variation you can add shaft extensions and puller extensions to the the desired length.

The internal pullers and corresponding short pins need to be assembled first then the shaft inserted into the gripper body followed by shaft extensions if chosen.

Next assemble the grip handle, link 1, and pin into the main body as shown. Then slide the shaft (or shaft extension) into the main body. Then press the pin through the handle puller and the grip handle locking the pulling mechanism in place. Finally screw the handle side plate on with 3 screws.

This is the variation I use currently. It uses 1 shaft extension and the “grippy" arms.

I have also included my .step files for the pincher arms so that you can make customized jaws. maybe you need soft TPU tips, or a special shape for grabbing your custom parts.

Its also great outside of the workshop. Picking up dirty clothes, kids toys, litter, dog toys etc. Its good for reaching up high to grab those snacks in the top shelf or help close stubborn blinds. Or maybe something behind or under the couch? Kids also think its a fun toy and can be scaled down for smaller hands.