If you’ve ever handed out tools to a group of eager volunteers, you already know what happens next:
Someone leans on a reacher like it’s a cane.
Someone tries to lift something way too heavy.
Someone twists, pries, or forces it… snap.And suddenly a perfectly good tool is out of commission.
The good news? A little structure and communication can dramatically extend the life of your equipment while keeping volunteers safer and more confident. Let’s walk through how to make that happen.
Why Volunteers Break Tools (And Why It’s Totally Preventable)
Most volunteers assume tools are tougher than they actually are. A reacher looks sturdy, so people instinctively use it like a support device or lifting tool.
The most common misuse we see:
- Leaning on reachers for balance
- Trying to lift heavy or awkward items
- Twisting or prying objects loose
- Forcing the grip when something resists
- Offer friendly reminders
- Catch misuse early
- Inspect tools during breaks
- Equipment lasts longer
- Work flows more smoothly
- Injuries are less likely
- Volunteers feel more confident
None of this comes from bad intentions, it comes from guessing. And guessing is what leads to breakage.
The simple fix? Clear expectations before tools ever touch the ground.
A 60-Second Orientation Saves Hours of Frustration
You don’t need a long training session on how to use a reacher, but while you hand out tools to your volunteers, or while you conduct a brief safety meeting, you can also teach them about the Do’s and Don’ts of using their tools.
Show them how the tool is meant to grab items, NOT lift weight or support their body. Explain what happens internally when a tool is forced or overloaded. Most people instantly understand once they see the mechanics.
To make it helpful and easier to understand, teach your volunteer these 3 simple rules:
Rule #1: Don’t lean on it.
A reacher is not a cane or support device. Leaning transfers body weight to parts designed only for gripping.
Rule #2: Grab — don’t lift heavy weight.
These tools are precision grabbers, not lifting equipment. If it’s heavier than a few pounds, use hands or ask for help.
Rule #3: If it resists, stop.
Forcing a stuck object is the fastest way to damage internal components.
Consider Assigning a Tool Steward
For larger groups, having one person casually monitor tool use can make a huge difference.
A tool steward can:
- Offer friendly reminders
- Catch misuse early
- Inspect tools during breaks
This goes for not only your reachers, but also your vests, gloves, buckets, or any other equipment you may give out to your volunteers for their cleanup efforts.
Breakage is Going to Happen
The reality is, some tools are going to break. Older tools may fatigue over time and even a simple task can cause it to break. Don’t focus on who broke the tool or what happened, just take it out of commission and bring a new tool into circulation if you have more available.
So what do you do when your tool does break? We offer our Reacher Recycling Program with allows you to send back broken or worn out reachers to ArcMate to give them a new life.
When you have 6 or more broken tools, fill out the form on our Program page and we will send you a prepaid label to send your reachers back. Tools which qualify for refurbishment will grant you a coupon to our online store. Tools that are beyond repair will be recycled.
The Big Picture: Protect Tools, Empower Volunteers
When volunteers understand how to use tools correctly:
A few simple moments to educate your volunteers on how to use these tools can dramatically reduce breakage and frustration. Your tools will last longer and your volunteers can feel proud knowing they’ve made a difference in their community.
