By: Editorial Team | Posted: July 10, 2015 | Updated: April 7, 2023
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Our circles of older adults have been exploring toenail clippers for elderly people. They explain that older adults often have nails that are hard to cut or hard to reach. The explorers are especially interested in toenail clippers for thick toenails, and toenail clippers that will work when a person has arthritis, and thus can not exert a strong grip on the toenail clipper.
Together, we have brainstormed a bit, and gone out and found a range of products that seem promising. You can see them below.
The challenges
The key issues our Longevity Explorers are trying to solve with these toenail clippers are:
thick hard to cut toenails;
difficulty reaching the toe;
arthritic hands making operation of the clippers hard;
toes that are bent or otherwise not “as usual” due to conditions like arthritis.
We have narrowed down the array of possible nail clippers and tools to a short list that seem promising for hands-on evaluation. Please look these over, and if you try one out please comment at the bottom on your experience, or come along to our circle discussions and share what you learned.
Listen to the Explorers discussing toenail clippers
You can read about and listen to the series of discussions our explorer circles have had over the last 6 months on finding the “right” toenail clipper. These discussions have been recorded and posted online, and you can click on them and listen to them.
See the discussions on the right of the page (if you are on a large screen) or below (if you are on a small screen). You need to login as a member to see and listen to the discussions.
Best ToeNail Clippers: The Candidates
Candidate 1: PETA Long Reach Nail Clipper
A number of our explorers think this product looks useful. Several of them have tried it out and reported back after using it to actually trim their toenails. It has a nice feel to it, and the handles are comfortable and motion seems smooth.
Those explorers who were used to using scissors to trim their nails (rather than clippers) liked this product the best of all those we tried.
In the actual hands-on testing done by our explorers, this was one of the two most popular “explorer picks” (together with candidate 1 above). For those explorers who liked to use clippers rather than scissors, this product was the top choice.
Most of our explorers felt this was too heavy an implement, and a bit scary. Several worried they might accidentally cut themselves with it, as it has very strong and fierce jaws. The consensus of our explorers was that this would work best when you had very thick toenails that are hard to cut. And most likely, this tool should be used by someone else to cut an older adult’s toe nails rather than by the older adult themself.
This product seems very similar to the PETA product at the top of the list. When the explorers tried it out for actual cutting they mostly felt it did a poorer job of actually cutting than the preferred “candidate #1” at the top of the page.
In one of our explorer circles, the explorers handled it and commented that the handles were much harder to use (less comfortable and smaller). It feels a little more flimsy than the top long handled scissor.
Note: If you click on the links accompanying each the images above, you will be taken to Amazon (or the manufacturer), where you can read more about each product and buy them if you want.
*Disclosure: The research and opinions in this article are those of the author, and may or may not reflect the official views of Tech-enhanced Life.
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9 thoughts on “Toenail Clippers for Elderly People”
My toenail clipper testing results
I may not make the meeting, so here is my scissor comment.
I like to use scissors with 3 or all four fingers.
Blue scissors
Handle too narrow, can't insert fingers. Handle to short, can't insert 3 fingers. Don't like using only 2. Blades cross, makes sure you cut, but make using them harder.
Yellow scissors
Everything as I like it. Good pair scissors.
Swivel head clamps
Great. Can be used any way. Allows use of fingers and thumb or base of thumb. Makes a stronger squeeze. 3 1/2 inches long, best leverage I have found so far. Bought a pair.
Amazon has a large number of scissors and cutters for sale. One should really be there to make sure they fit your fingers and style. I bought a scissors from them, blue handle, that fits a s I like.
Thanks for taking the time to Thanks for taking the time to write this review it really helped me make a decision Cheers
A MORE USEFUL NAIL CLIPPER FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED.
i HAVE BEEN THINKING ON THIS ISSUE FOR A WHILE NOW. I HAVE BOTH HIPS REPLACED AND THE RIGHT ONE WAS DONE WITH AN ANTERIOR INCISION WHICH CUT THROUGH ALL THE MUSCLE AND HAS LEFT THAT HIP VERY TIGHT AND I CANNOT GET OVER THE LEG EASILY TO CUT THE RIGHT NAILS PARTICULARLY. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT I AM NOT SEEING ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS INCORPORATE ALL THE NEEDED QUALITIES TOGETHER IN ONE PRODUCT. A TRADITIONAL STYLED CLIPPER ABOUT 6 TO 9 INCHES LONG WITH ABOUT A 30 TO 45 DEGREE BEND AT THE HEAD. A TRADITIONAL LONG CLIPPING ARM , BUT THE TOP ARM PASSES UNDER A GUARD ABOUT HALF WAY UP THE CLIPPER SO THE ARM ONLY HAS TO BE SQUESSED A SMALL DISTANCE LIKE THE OWNER IS USED TO BEFORE DIFFICULTY. A SMALL LENGTH CLIPPING SURFACE AS SOME PEOPLE BECAUSE OF DIABETHIS OR THYROID ISSUES MAY NOT FEEL THEIR TOES WELL AND CAN ACTUALLY CUT THEMSELVES WITH A STANDARD WIDTH CUTTING UNIT. FINALLY. INSTEAD OF AN ACTUAL MAGNIFING LENSE HAVE THE TOP CUTTING LEVER MADE OUT OF A THICK VERY CLEAR CONCAVE PLASTIC ARM THAT JUTS OUT PASS THE CLIP POINT SO THAT IT ACTUALLY MOVES CLOSER TO THE TOE AS YOU SQUEEZE THE LEVER AND FINALLY AN LED LIGHT THAT LIGHTS ONLY THE WIDTH OF THE CUTTING BLADE TO HELP THOSE WHO CANNOT EASILY SEE OR FOCUS THEIR VISION. IF YOU ACTUALLY LOOK AT WHAT I AM SUGGESTING IT IS AN ELEGANT ITEM THAT MAINTAINS THE USE TO FUNCTION PEOPLE USE TO HAVE, WHILE HELPING WITH ANY NEW LIMITATIONS ON THEIR MOVEMENT, VISION, OR FEELING IN THE BODY.
I have used #2 and a product I have used #2 and a product similar to #4. If you have arthritis, it is not so much your hands but your inability to get close enough to your toes long enough to line it up for a clip before pain demands a retry. It is even worse if you have parkinsonian handshakes. #2 looked clever, but in use, the swivel head seemed more gimmick than solution. I find that a plyers-type clipper is ideal, but the weight issue raised is a legit turnoff, also, the ones I use (Walmart specials) are poorly made and often result in rough cuts that must be filed down. I visited Amazon to see what is in the marketplace, and found a few that looked promising. I will let you know if I find a winner.
I am awaiting hip surgery I am awaiting hip surgery which has been postponed due to COVID19. I usually have a pedicure, but all salina are currently closed. Too bad my toenails are atill growing.
I do not see any LONG HANDLED clippers suggested on your site like 16 inches or so. The ones I see on Amazon have mixed reviews at best.
What am I to do? U know many others are in the same boat as I am. Can you help?
Why can’t you come up with Why can’t you come up with very long handle toe nail clippers. I cannot bend down to do my nails, its annoying nothing is helping us.
Go to a Podiatrist. Many Go to a Podiatrist. Many health problems qualify people to use Medicare to pay the fee.ie: if you are Diabetic you can see Dr. For Feet every 65 days. Similar if you have Circulation issues. Good luck !! Kate
I’m left-handed and had a I’m left-handed and had a childhood injury to my left elbow so my left forearm doesn’t pronate or supinate. I need a toenail cutter that I can handle. Any suggestions?
This is an informative post; This is an informative post; it’s always good to hear unbiased opinions.
Have you ever come across a long handled nail file to help those with limited mobility file their toenails? I cannot seem to find anything, which is surprising.
My toenail clipper testing results
I may not make the meeting, so here is my scissor comment.
I like to use scissors with 3 or all four fingers.
Blue scissors
Handle too narrow, can't insert fingers. Handle to short, can't insert 3 fingers. Don't like using only 2. Blades cross, makes sure you cut, but make using them harder.
Yellow scissors
Everything as I like it. Good pair scissors.
Swivel head clamps
Great. Can be used any way. Allows use of fingers and thumb or base of thumb. Makes a stronger squeeze. 3 1/2 inches long, best leverage I have found so far. Bought a pair.
Amazon has a large number of scissors and cutters for sale. One should really be there to make sure they fit your fingers and style. I bought a scissors from them, blue handle, that fits a s I like.
Thanks for taking the time to
Thanks for taking the time to write this review it really helped me make a decision Cheers
A MORE USEFUL NAIL CLIPPER FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED.
i HAVE BEEN THINKING ON THIS ISSUE FOR A WHILE NOW. I HAVE BOTH HIPS REPLACED AND THE RIGHT ONE WAS DONE WITH AN ANTERIOR INCISION WHICH CUT THROUGH ALL THE MUSCLE AND HAS LEFT THAT HIP VERY TIGHT AND I CANNOT GET OVER THE LEG EASILY TO CUT THE RIGHT NAILS PARTICULARLY. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT I AM NOT SEEING ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS INCORPORATE ALL THE NEEDED QUALITIES TOGETHER IN ONE PRODUCT. A TRADITIONAL STYLED CLIPPER ABOUT 6 TO 9 INCHES LONG WITH ABOUT A 30 TO 45 DEGREE BEND AT THE HEAD. A TRADITIONAL LONG CLIPPING ARM , BUT THE TOP ARM PASSES UNDER A GUARD ABOUT HALF WAY UP THE CLIPPER SO THE ARM ONLY HAS TO BE SQUESSED A SMALL DISTANCE LIKE THE OWNER IS USED TO BEFORE DIFFICULTY. A SMALL LENGTH CLIPPING SURFACE AS SOME PEOPLE BECAUSE OF DIABETHIS OR THYROID ISSUES MAY NOT FEEL THEIR TOES WELL AND CAN ACTUALLY CUT THEMSELVES WITH A STANDARD WIDTH CUTTING UNIT. FINALLY. INSTEAD OF AN ACTUAL MAGNIFING LENSE HAVE THE TOP CUTTING LEVER MADE OUT OF A THICK VERY CLEAR CONCAVE PLASTIC ARM THAT JUTS OUT PASS THE CLIP POINT SO THAT IT ACTUALLY MOVES CLOSER TO THE TOE AS YOU SQUEEZE THE LEVER AND FINALLY AN LED LIGHT THAT LIGHTS ONLY THE WIDTH OF THE CUTTING BLADE TO HELP THOSE WHO CANNOT EASILY SEE OR FOCUS THEIR VISION. IF YOU ACTUALLY LOOK AT WHAT I AM SUGGESTING IT IS AN ELEGANT ITEM THAT MAINTAINS THE USE TO FUNCTION PEOPLE USE TO HAVE, WHILE HELPING WITH ANY NEW LIMITATIONS ON THEIR MOVEMENT, VISION, OR FEELING IN THE BODY.
I have used #2 and a product
I have used #2 and a product similar to #4. If you have arthritis, it is not so much your hands but your inability to get close enough to your toes long enough to line it up for a clip before pain demands a retry. It is even worse if you have parkinsonian handshakes. #2 looked clever, but in use, the swivel head seemed more gimmick than solution. I find that a plyers-type clipper is ideal, but the weight issue raised is a legit turnoff, also, the ones I use (Walmart specials) are poorly made and often result in rough cuts that must be filed down. I visited Amazon to see what is in the marketplace, and found a few that looked promising. I will let you know if I find a winner.
I am awaiting hip surgery
I am awaiting hip surgery which has been postponed due to COVID19. I usually have a pedicure, but all salina are currently closed. Too bad my toenails are atill growing.
I do not see any LONG HANDLED clippers suggested on your site like 16 inches or so. The ones I see on Amazon have mixed reviews at best.
What am I to do? U know many others are in the same boat as I am. Can you help?
Why can’t you come up with
Why can’t you come up with very long handle toe nail clippers. I cannot bend down to do my nails, its annoying nothing is helping us.
Go to a Podiatrist. Many
Go to a Podiatrist. Many health problems qualify people to use Medicare to pay the fee.ie: if you are Diabetic you can see Dr. For Feet every 65 days. Similar if you have Circulation issues. Good luck !! Kate
I’m left-handed and had a
I’m left-handed and had a childhood injury to my left elbow so my left forearm doesn’t pronate or supinate. I need a toenail cutter that I can handle. Any suggestions?
This is an informative post;
This is an informative post; it’s always good to hear unbiased opinions.
Have you ever come across a long handled nail file to help those with limited mobility file their toenails? I cannot seem to find anything, which is surprising.