There are millions of people out there ignoring disabilities and accomplishing incredible feats. I learned you can learn to do things differently, but do them just as well. I’ve learned that it’s not the disability that defines you, it’s how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. And I’ve learned that we have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability.
~Jim Abbott (professional baseball player born without a right hand)
Living with an upper limb difference can provide a unique set of challenges during the most routine of tasks (that able-bodied people can take for granted). But as with the Jim Abbott quote above, it’s not about giving into our limitations, it’s about exceeding them. And given the myriad of amazing tools and assistive devices out there for people with limb loss and limb difference, there is no time like the present to reach your potential.
And because ClipDifferent is in the market of creating adaptive nail trimmers to help people of every ability, we thought it might be helpful to put together a list of some of the best daily living aids available online. Some are quite obvious; others fulfill a small niche you may have not heard about yet. Either way, we feel that all of these assistive devices have the capacity to help people of all abilities.
Assistive Devices for Upper Limb Loss
Nike FlyEase
Nike FlyEase creates shoes that are quick and easy to get into, and more hands-free. The easy-entry designs expand access and unlock benefits for all athletes*. From pinnacle FlyEase innovations to the wide selection of easy on/off footwear, you can do more of what matters most — play.
Price: $24.00
Website: https://www.nike.com/flyease
ClipDifferent Nail Trimmer for One-Handed Operation
The first truly hands-free nail trimming experience. Many people within the limb different community love the ease. Use it once and you’ll never go back to the old way of clipping your fingernails.
Price: $89.99
Nail Care for Upper Limb Loss: The Tool That Solves It
Nail care is one of the most overlooked challenges with upper limb loss — and one of the most frustrating. Standard clippers require two functioning hands. Most electric options still do. ClipDifferent was designed specifically for one-handed operation.
The POD Adaptive Electric Nail Clipper sits on a weighted, non-slip base. You insert your nail into the safety slot and press down. No gripping. No squeezing. No second hand needed. The surgical-grade steel blade clips cleanly and stops before it can touch skin.
Rebel, a stroke survivor who has used the POD for four years, put it simply: the weighted base keeps it steady, and the non-slip base works against a vertical surface too.
Mark, a stroke survivor of 21 years, had tried everything for his right hand. Nothing worked until this.
Who it's built for:
- Upper limb amputees
- Stroke survivors with one-sided weakness or paralysis
- Anyone recovering from hand or arm surgery
- People with hemiplegia or limited hand function
GrabOpener
The GrabOpener removes caps as you grab the bottle with one hand, it keeps caps flat, it leverages pull tabs on cans, and its magnet allows it to stow on your beer fridge. Made for amputees.
Price: $16-$30
Website: https://www.gropener.com/
Myself Belts
Myself Belts offers a patented product that is the only one-handed belt on the market and were designed to help those with hand dexterity challenges. Those having the use of only one hand will be able to accomplish a task that ordinarily would be very difficult. Promotes independence and makes dressing so much easier.
Price: $15-$30
Website: https://www.myselfbelts.com/collections/adult-belts
One Hand CanDo Cutting Board (includes 3 Silicone Straps)
The One Hand CanDo Cutting Board, created by a stroke survivor who loves to cook, is specifically designed to facilitate a myriad of food preparation techniques using one hand. The inability to hold a food ingredient to prepare it, i.e. by slicing, chopping, shredding, mincing, etc, is no longer an issue when the one-handed cook has the patent pending CanDo Cutting Board in their kitchen tool arsenal. Special features include a strapping system to hold bunches of ingredients such as fresh herbs, 2 repositionable side walls that accommodate left or right handed use and three sharp, stainless steel prongs to impale food items on. Each board includes 3 heat resistant, dishwasher safe silicone straps.
Price: $64.95
Website: https://onehandcanshop.com/
EZ Off Jar Opener
The EZ Off jar opener will open tough lids effortlessly. It will grab hold of any lid whether it’s factory sealed, child proof, tamper proof or just stuck from what’s inside the jar. A simple twist and The EZ Off Jar Opener will deliver every time.
Price: $40.99
Website: https://jaropener.com/
Bra Buddy
This unique bra dressing aid allows you to easily put on a bra using just one hand. Using the accessory makes putting on a bra easier if you struggle with fastening fiddly bra straps. Assists you by holding one end of the bra while you pull the other end of the strap around the body to fasten the hooks and eyes. Allows ladies with limited reach or mobility to dress independently without needing to ask for help or use an adaptive bra.
Price: $44.95
Website: https://www.activehands.com/product/bra-buddy/
Yoke Shopper
Ergonomically designed to comfortably sit over your shoulder so you can freely carry several heavy bags with ease. Carrying heavy shopping on your shoulder or across your body is so much more comfortable. Shopping secured. With all your bag handles securely locked together your shopping stays put and you only have to search for one handle, the Yoke Shopper.
Price: $15.00
Website: https://yokeshopper.com/
If you're navigating one-handed living more broadly, our guide to essential adaptive tools for daily independence covers kitchen, grooming, dressing, and more.
For veterans navigating daily life with limited mobility, there are more tools worth knowing about also.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adaptive Nail Care for Upper Limb Loss
How do you clip your nails with one hand?
Place a weighted ClipDifferent POD on a flat, stable surface with your size choice of the Lil Nipper. The non-slip base holds it steady without any grip. Slide your nail into the safety slot and press down gently. The blade trims cleanly without you needing to squeeze, pinch, or stabilize anything with a second hand. No assistance required. Watch how it works →
What is the best nail clipper for amputees?
The ClipDifferent POD Adaptive Base with Lil Nipper of any size is purpose-built for one-handed nail care. It's a hands-free electric nail clipper that sits on a weighted, non-slip base. You operate it with a single finger. The safety slot design makes cutting skin physically impossible — the slot is wide enough for your nail but too narrow for skin or fingertip to enter. It is a continuous smooth trim so no need for strength or dexterity. It runs on a rechargeable USB battery and requires no grip strength.
Can you use an electric nail clipper after an amputation?
Yes — with the right one. Standard electric nail files and most rotating trimmers still require two hands to stabilize. The POD is the exception. Its weighted base does the stabilizing for you. Stroke survivors, upper limb amputees, and people with hemiplegia have used it successfully for single-handed nail care. One reviewer who lost use of one side after a stroke has used the same POD for four years.
What adaptive tools help most with daily living after limb loss?
The most practical daily living tools for upper limb loss include: one-handed can openers, suction cup cutting boards, button hooks, elastic lace alternatives, adaptive keyboards, and hands-free nail clippers. Occupational therapists typically introduce these tools during rehabilitation as part of restoring independence in self-care. The goal is removing dependence on a caregiver for tasks that can be done independently with the right equipment.
Is the ClipDifferent POD safe for someone with limited sensation?
Yes. The safety slot is the key feature — it's sized precisely to accommodate a nail but narrow enough that skin cannot enter the blade area. This makes it safe for people who have reduced sensation in their hands, including stroke survivors and those with nerve damage. You don't need to feel where the blade is. The slot guides your nail into position automatically.
Where can I see how the POD works before buying?
You can watch a full demo on our How It Works page. It shows the one-handed operation, the safety slot in action, and how the weighted base stays stable on a table or countertop.
Editors Note: The post originally published in August 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and more sparkle.