10 Grips, Handles, and Gadgets for Hands That Need Some Help

Price: $18.74
Where to buy: Amazon

This genius little contraption lets you easily transform handleless cookware into something with an ergonomic grip. I was skeptical about whether it would solidly latch onto a heavy pot, such as one with boiling water for pasta, but when I used it on a pot of boiled potatoes and while draining pasta, it felt solid and strong. In fact, I was thoroughly impressed by how easily and securely this handle attached to all my pots and pans. According to the description, it can hold up to 10 kg (roughly 22 pounds). For reference, a gallon of water weighs a little over 8 pounds.

After being impressed by its performance on the stove, I wanted to see what else this could handle (pun intended). I tested it out on bowls, baking pans, mugs, and even ramekins, and it worked on all of them.

My only complaint was that the release button sometimes stuck a little and took a bit of wiggling, but that wouldn’t be enough to deter me from using this. This is a small item that can really transform your cooking experience because being able to lift things more confidently is a game-changer when it comes to independence in the kitchen.

Price: $10.92
Where to buy: Amazon

These versatile, unassuming grips turned out to be one of my favorite tools. The squishy, gel-like texture makes them really comfortable to hold. I was initially concerned that they might be tricky to slide onto various items, but the stretch makes them very adaptable.

The first thing I went for was my lotion applicator, which had a grip that had just broken off. I slipped on a Groovy Grip, and it worked even better than the original grip. Because the lotion applicator has a thinner handle, I was worried that the grip might not be snug enough and that it would end up spinning around, but it stayed in place. 

These are also extremely helpful on kitchen utensils such as ice cream scoops and vegetable peelers. Just make sure you cover the blade on anything sharp before installing the grip. 

My mop originally had a hard plastic “grip” (calling it that is very generous), so I was excited to throw one of these on. It made a world of difference because my hand was no longer uncomfortably cramping while cleaning the floors. The versatility these offer means they can bring accessibility to so many areas of your life: think umbrellas, tools, brushes, cookware, brooms, and so much more.

Price: $7.99
Where to buy: Amazon

Jars—the antagonists of weak hands. This jar opener comes to the rescue. It features different-sized openings to accommodate various lid sizes, and the inside is rubberized, ensuring a secure grip even when turning. Just squeeze each side of the lid with the jar opener, and the elongated grip gives you a lot more leverage to unscrew that lid.

It’ll also require much less force (unless you’re accidentally turning it clockwise, as I did, nicely tightening the lid even more). The ergonomic handle makes this especially worth considering for those with arthritic hands.

Price: $14.99
Where to buy: Amazon

It’s always when I’m taking the trash out. Without a free hand, I go in hoping I can turn the knob with my knee, but that never works. A simple solution has been out there this whole time, though: nonslip doorknob covers. The rubber provides a grippier surface that’s far more accessible than that of smooth metal. And if you’re using another body part, such as your hip, foot, or, in my case, knee, to turn the doorknob, the raised ridges help make that possible.

These covers are easy to install. They’re super-stretchy, so they can accommodate a range of doorknob shapes and sizes. My bathroom doorknob is relatively wide, and I was able to fit the cover on it easily with one hand. But if you struggle with hand strength and grip, ask someone to help you place these. It’s a speedy job for someone with two strong hands, so you won’t need a handyman or any tools. Once they’re on, you’re all set. Despite the stretch, these don’t budge once installed.

Price: $13.99
Where to buy: Amazon

I can’t say this enough: Making the little things accessible is what makes the big difference. So it would have felt wrong not to include these little key grips. My favorite thing about them is the ease with which they attach to your keys. The grips open up at two spots and have a sticky backing on the inside of each part. You place the top of your key on one of the sticky pads and then press both sides of the grip together. The adhesive pads keep the grip securely in place. 

This method of application enables you to use these grips on a variety of key shapes and sizes. (I tried mine on a key shaped like a big teddy bear, and it went on perfectly.) The ridged texture helps you maintain a firmer hold, and the elongated shape makes turning the key a lot simpler. Overall, turning the lock requires less force (thanks to increased leverage), and the grip provides a wider surface area to hold on to, which is especially helpful if you’re dealing with a tiny key.

Price: $39.99
Where to buy: Amazon

These came highly recommended by a hair stylist I met who also happens to have one arm. He told me how he was using them on nearly every styling tool, from brushes to hair dryers, so I knew they would be useful before I even got my hands (hand?) on them. And they didn’t disappoint. They’re fantastic for anyone who struggles to grip objects altogether, as they allow you to slide your hand into a loop instead of having to grasp an object. The versatility is incredible because you get several different grip sizes in a pack. You can use smaller ones on things such as styluses and pencils, cutlery, toothbrushes, paint brushes, and anything you can think of with a narrower shape. 

Larger ones work well for water bottles, sports equipment, or any other item with a diameter between 1 and 6 inches. I also found these useful for the beauty and skin care items I use every day, such as my serums and creams, which I frequently drop while trying to uncap them, especially if they get greasy from the product. 

The EazyHold Grips stretch up to three times their size. The only downside was that the larger ones were a little challenging for me to stretch on whatever I was trying to attach them to. If you struggle with dexterity or grip strength, you might want to ask someone to help you attach these. You want them to fit snugly on objects so they remain in place, which means they’re going to be challenging to install.

Price: $11.99
Where to buy: Amazon

Water bottles can be awkward to hold on to. They’re heavy when full and oftentimes not easy to grip because there’s nothing ergonomic about a slick cylinder. But trust me when I say not all water bottle grips are alike. I tested several and even hated one so much that I threw it at the wall. But no walls were harmed during the testing of this grip because it works really well. 

It’s straightforward and does what it’s supposed to do. The best feature is its adjustability: This handle fits on bottles anywhere between 2.5 and 4.2 inches in diameter. And the circumference isn’t the only adjustable part; you can also widen and loosen the hand loop, making this inclusive for a wide range of hand and foot sizes (for those who rely on their feet). The pad is soft, so it won’t damage the exterior of your water bottle. I see you water bottle collectors out there.

My only complaint with this grip was that it looks like an adaptive aid. It’s made of thick black Velcro, and it’s clear that aesthetics weren’t taken into account. I simply don’t understand why adaptive products can’t be aesthetically pleasing more often. Still, this is an extremely useful gadget for those who struggle holding onto water bottles, and I recommend it.

Price: $19.74
Where to buy: Amazon

An oven mitt is easily one of the most helpful tools in the house. The question is, are you getting the most out of yours? If you’re only using it to pull stuff out of the oven, then the answer is no. An oven mitt is an excellent gripping aid in general, and my favorite material for multi-use oven mitts is silicone. It provides a better overall grip than fabric, making it useful for opening stubborn jars and containers. 

Because I’m working with one hand, I sometimes need to grab large dishes coming out of the oven in the center and often end up placing my thumb over the edge for a more secure hold and touching the food. (Calm down; my oven mitt is clean and I’m the only one who’s going to eat the food, anyway.) The silicone is easy to wipe clean afterward.

Throwing on a pair of oven mitts (or one) is also a great idea if you struggle to lift heavy objects, such as a bucket of water while mopping, a litter box (you may want a designated mitt for sanitary purposes), or when moving furniture (this is how I helped my doorman move the stove). If I’m making pasta, I always have the mitt at the ready to drain the noodles fast and make sure they stay al dente.

Price: From $17.49
Where to buy: Target, Macy’s, Amazon

Fumbling with charging cables is a struggle for me with one hand, so having access to a magnetic charger is essential, but I also rely on a phone grip to help me use my phone without dropping it. A removable, magnetic one like this is the perfect solution.

The design is helpful for anyone who may have trouble with a traditional grip. You can simply loop the grip over a finger. It leaves the rest of your hand relatively free and requires less overall dexterity. I even sometimes just slide the grip over a finger and carry my phone that way if I might need quick access to it.

This grip stays in place very well. I put it to the ultimate test, using it to keep my phone in place for an entire Taylor Swift concert, which involved lots of dancing and overall gesticulating. A weak grip would have come clean off. But not this one. And the best part? It’s available in several patterns and colors. There’s even a matching case for each grip if you want to fully deck out your phone. As I said before, accessibility deserves to be fun and aesthetically pleasing.

Price: $19.95
Where to buy: Amazon

Using your tablet on the go, on the couch, or anywhere there isn’t a flat surface can pose a challenge. Enter this magnetic tablet mount. It’s compatible with both Apple and Android products, thanks to the included adapter. 

To use it, wrap the adjustable hook-and-loop strap around your thigh. You don’t want it so loose that the tablet will shift, but don’t use it as a tourniquet either. If wrapping the strap around your leg is a struggle, you can also slide your foot in through the loop, pull it up to where you want it, and tighten it once it’s in place.

Then just pop your tablet (or phone) on there using the magnet, and you’re all set for a hands-free device experience, no desk or table required.