Toddler Reacher

The Toddler Reacher is designed to allow your little one to reach adult-height light switches, operate sinks and even sweep items off of high ledges all while remaining safely on two feet. I designed this because my toddler wasn't able to actually turn on the kitchen sink for himself to wash his hands.

The default tip is well shaped for grabbing all sorts of odd faucet handles, with a cutout that should fit over a standard light switch with just enough room to make landing it easy. The top of the tip features a flat nose for pushing items around, just right to knock a bag of chips off a counter.

There are two different length extensions. For most toddlers, the longer one seems the best fit. The extensions are supported on both push and pull with sliding covers to prevent rotational forces from causing havoc.

The handle is designed to be big and easy to grip, as well as to fit over any standard household doorknob for easy storage. Another major pro of this design is that young children who may not have much dexterity can hold it by the tip and use the large handle to hook faucets or items.

Assembly

You should be able to print an entire reacher in one go on most printers, but all the pieces are small enough to allow completing this project even on small printers. Tolerances should allow even reasonably sloppy printers to avoid sanding and filing, but if a piece is too tight then use a 200+ grit nail file to bring it into tolerance.

You'll need:

+ Superglue (Cyanoacrylate)
+ 2x small clamps (chip clips, big rubber bands, etc in a pinch)

Print:

+ handle
+ handle_gripper
+ head
+ at least one extender piece (start with extender_long)
+ 2x joiner to cover seams

Assemblage

1. Print pieces (PLA, 0.15, 20% infill, any speed. Crank up the perimeter wall count if worried.)
2. Dry-fit pieces
3. Slide both joiner covers over the extension piece
4. Apply a thin bead of superglue per directions on bottle to every mated surface
5. Join pieces
6. Apply a thin bead of glue on top and bottom of joins where joiner cover will slide over
7. Slide joiners into place to cover seam and apply clamps
8. Stand the entire thing so the handle gripper is on the tabletop. The weight of the extender and clamps will ensure a sufficient bond of the gripper.
9. Let cure 24 hours before using.

Introducing it to your kid

Bring your kid to the sink or lightswitch they are having trouble reaching. Hold the reacher tool "upside down" so you hold the diamond shaped tip in your hand. Use the large looped handle to operate the faucet/lightswitch. Do this a few times. Give the reacher to the toddler. Show them where you would like them to store it.

Splashes and Water

Even printed in PLA, this is suitable for use around sinks and such. If your kid is going to be using this in very wet environments, you may wish to cover in a food-safe two part epoxy.

Repo and SCAD Files

SCAD files for easy modification available on Github https://github.com/vorpalhex/toddler-reacher