A brand new assistive grasping device for people with hand weakness or paralysis. It was invented by Thane Hunt, founder of Hominid X.

This assistive grasping device is for anyone who lacks the strength in at least one hand to grasp and hold objects. The list of typical causes is long, but a few examples are: strokes, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, brachial plexus injury, cerebral palsy, orthopedic injury, and spinal cord injury.

Fiber is simple. It straps onto the the wrist and hand. There is a spring-loaded cable that is manually drawn from a small cylinder on the wristband. The end of the cable has ring on it that is clipped onto a small hook that is strapped to the fingertips. When this cable is drawn around an object and released, the spring retracts the cable, drawing the fingers into a strong, safe, and conformal grasp. It works very well!

Almost anything! Since Fiber creates a conformal grasp, it is OK for the object being held to have an irregular shape. The retracting cable has a generous extra length, meaning that holding something as large as a roll of paper towels is no trouble. Small objects are fine too - pens, forks, cell phones, and cups can be held reliably without fear of dropping.

Since the excellent frictional properties of the user's own fingers is involved with the grasping action, Fiber can help hold objects such as 1.5 liter bottles of water, large mugs of coffee, and shopping bags. The spring-drawn cable requires about 2 lbs (0.9 kg) to pull. The strength of the grasp is affected by object size and whether it is slippery or not. Most users report success with relatively high-force activities such as using a knife to cut meat (well-done beef may require extra care).

Fiber is one-size-fits all, courtesy of its fully adjustable design. 

Fiber works on the left or right hand, it is symmetric!

Universal cuffs use an old (but proven) design to provide very basic holding capability for "utensil" shaped tools such as toothbrushes, pens, and forks. They only hold a narrow range of object sizes, and do not effectively utilize the wearer's fingers. Universal cuffs also often lead to the tools (such as pens) being held at inefficient angles. Fiber solves all of these problems.

Consult your physician, and remember that Fiber has a 30 day return policy (you pay return shipping and a small restocking fee) so there is really no risk in trying. Worse case you lose a few dollars, best case you are holding things again!