The Gopher...(the tool not the rodent) is a pick-up and reaching tool that claims its good for hundreds of uses. To be honest, I automatically thought it was for people with mobility issues or bad backs. But I can see how it could be handy for able bodied people as well. Picking up things in hard to reach areas... like that sock that's fallen behind the washer. If you want to avoid the tedium of having to pick up stuff you don't want to touch. I'm thinking dog owners might like this Gopher, if you know what I mean! Please note that there is the regular gopher and a Deluxe Gopher which is getting much better reviews.
The Gopher Claims
- [tags]the gopher[/tags]Folds for compact storage.
- Suction cups at end, grip both large and small objects.
- Can be used in your home, yard, office, car, boat, or RV.
- Extends your reach nearly 3 feet.
- Precise enough to pick up a paper clip, yet strong enough to lift a 5lb bag of sugar.
- Grip and lift in one easy motion. With just one finger the Gopher locks on so you can pick up, take out and put back without any effort.
Handy Uses For:
- Water hanging plants
- Putting away groceries
- Cleaning up the yard
- Picking up garbage
- Changing light bulbs
- Hanging decorations
- Picking up the newspaper
- Reaching under or behind furniture
- Picking up items that you don't want to touch
The Gopher tool folds away like this
The Gopher Test
See all Other reviews at Expotv
In the video review above Jill, being rather height challenged, shares her thoughts on the Gopher Deluxe.
In another video review an elderly lady put the Gopher Deluxe to the test and was able to do the following tasks.
- Grab anything off the top shelf of her pantry.
- Wasn't able to pick a quarter off the floor but was able to pick it up from the carpet.
- Able to reach behind the washer to pick up a sock.
- While sitting on the couch she could pull the ceiling fan chain to turn the lights.
- Grabbed a small item out of the back of her SUV.
- Easily picked up a 4 lb bag of sugar and a small paper clip. Note that you can see some strain on the Gopher while it picks up the bag of sugar.
Comments from Other Gopher Users
Advantages
- At only ten bucks, it's pretty much disposable and you can have more than one in the house. Save your back and avoid the tedium.
- It's much easier to use the Gopher for repetitive tasks like highway cleanup or pet cleanup in the yard.
- It's nice that you can fold it away so it takes up less space.
- It picks up almost everything but it's made more for light weight items. Up to 4lbs and no more.
- The rubber grip cups are better than some other reaching tools because it allows you the dexterity to pick up small items.
- Very handy if you're pregnant or have back or knee problems.
- No need to climb on step stools or ladders.
Disadvantages
- For heavier objects the Gopher bends in half or breaks at the bend over time. Instead, try to buy a non-bending one which is more durable.
- Many reports that the suction cups either pop off or break. This is because the screws strip out of the suction cups. It’s too bad that there are no replacement parts included with the package. To solve this problem, check the suction cups and the screws often to make sure that they are tight and seated just right. Also one lady mentioned that before you even use the Gopher she unscrewed the rubber ends and put some super glue in the holes and screw back on.
US $11.99
Gopher users overall seem to really like this product. I was surprised that some don't even care if the suction cups fall off. Since it's only $10 they just go out and buy another one or buy more than one. They say it's still worth the price for the convenience of the Gopher. There are reports of some knock off Gopher products out there which are priced around $4 online. The Gopher is now available in stores like Walgreens. Here's another tool for those with mobility issues...It's called the Get a Grip.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I bought this product because I had a full-0pen stomach surgery that made it impossible to bend over and pick things up for several weeks. This product really made my life much easier, until you can’t bend over to pick something up, you don’t realize how many times you drop things. My surgery was 7 years ago, and I still have the same Gopher and still use it around the house to reach things instead of having to pull out the step ladder. I love my Gopher, and when, or if it breaks, I will be sure to replace it. I feel it was worth every cent I paid for it, and I would not want to be without it.
I lost one of the suction cups on 5 of 6 different units. Anyone have any ideas of finding a replacement part aside from just buying new ones. I combined cups but still only have 3 useable units left. Suggestions?
Sue, I noticed “As Seen on TV Guys” have a solution for this. It’s obviously a common problem. They sell 6 replacement suction cups in a package for $8. The link is here.
I AM AN UPPER ARM AMPUTEE, AND I HAVE A GOPHER P/U REACHING TOOL. THE SUCTION CUPS NEED TO BE REPLACED, BUT I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GET THEM. I DEPEND ALOT ON MY GOPHER. CAN YOU TELL ME WHERE I CAN GET REPLACEMENT SUCTION CUPS, I’D WOULD APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.
THANK YOU, MS. DAVIS 1/20/2011
Hi Dolores…
Please see my comment and link above…
The As Seen on TV Guys actually sell a package of 6 suction cups for around $10.