The Pincer Grasp

This article discusses the pincer grasp, what it is, its importance, and how occupational therapy can help assist in improving fine motor differences.  Plus, 30 pincer grasp exercises are included that specifically work on the pincer grasp. 

Inferior pincer grasp
The inferior pincer grasp using the pads of the index and thumb to grasp a small object.
Superior Pincer Grasp
The superior pincer grasp using the tips of the index and thumb to grasp an object. Notice the open website space (the open, circular shape made with the index and thumb). An open web space is needed for a functional tripod pencil grasp.

This content is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other medical professional regarding a medical condition or treatment.  This content is for informational purposes only.  See full disclosure here

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What Is The Pincer Grasp?

The pincer grasp is a fine motor grasp that uses the index finger and the thumb to grasp small objects.   We use this fine motor grasp to pick up small items such as beads and coins, and while buttoning and unbuttoning clothing.  Plus it is the foundation of a good pencil grasp while writing.  

Babies typically begin using the pincer grasp at the age of four months allowing them to more precisely pick up small items such as  cheerios instead of using a palmar grasp, whole hand grasp. The inferior pincer grasp develops first using the pads of the index and thumb to grasp objects.  As this skill develops, they will use superior pincer grasp where they will be able to pick up small objects using the tips of the index and thumb.  The superior pincer grasp is typically fully developed by 12 months of age.  See pictures above. This particular fine motor skill helps to set a foundation for a functional pencil grasp when beginning school.  

Why Is The Pincer Grasp Important? 

This type of grasp is important for handwriting skills, picking up small objects, using a spoon or fork for self feeding, as well as dressing skills such as manipulating buttons and zippers.  It is the basis for many daily functional tasks such as tying shoes, picking up coins, food prep like snapping peas as well as tasks such as picking a four leaf clover or even picking up a potato chip.

Pincer grasp art
Make dot art using a Q-tip cut in half. This activity not only uses the index finger and thumb to grasp the Q-tip, but it also encourages the use of a tripod grasp needed for handwriting.
Dementia activity kit- the pincer grasp
Participate in a lacing activity while focusing on the pincer grasp.

Occupational Therapy and The Pincer Grasp

Occupational therapists work with individuals across the lifespan develop and/or build fine motor skills such as the pincer grasp. Therapists will assess and evaluate fine motor skills including the pincer grasp through various assessments and through observation.  Occupational therapists often will address activities of daily living and how fine motor skill differences may have made an impact on daily life function. For example, therapists will often ask questions regarding dressing, bathing, and self feeding (ie: activities of daily living) and if any daily skills have been affected. A home exercise program will be provided based on your specific needs. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding fine motor skills whether in a young child or as an adult, contact your physician and occupational therapist to discuss your concerns and get an evaluation.

The pincer grasp

Pincer Grasp Exercises

Below is a list of fine motor skills that specifically work on the pincer grasp.  In addition to the pincer grasp, many of these exercises also combine the use of other upper body and/or fine motor skills such as bilateral coordination, in-hand manipulations skills, and fine motor strengthening among others. Pick and choose which exercises are right for you based on your own needs and available manipulatives.  

A Special Note On Adding Fine Motor To Your Day

Oftentimes, the best way to improve fine motor skills is to intertwine fine motor activities into your daily life by presenting opportunities throughout the day.  For example, create a fine motor box that includes various fine motor gadgets that can be readily available.  Place fine motor games like board games on the counter, and try to focus on fine motor skill development while performing daily activities like getting dressed and during food prep.  Focusing on fine motor skills periodically throughout the day as a part of your daily routine will help it become a part of your daily routine instead of a chore to add to your “to-do list”. 

Fine Motor Branch Weaving
String beads
dementia care kit- the pincer grasp
Tinker with dull ended screws and nuts
fine motor kit- focus on the pincer grasp
Create a fine motor box
Oversized tweezers- the pincer grasp
Make your own oversized tweezers using chopsticks, 1-2 rubbers bands and an inch wide piece of rolled paper.
The pincer grasp
Cut a Q-tip in half and use it as a glueing device to make a dried bean or bead art.
Dementia activity kit- the pincer grasp
Play button tic-tac-toe on a small piece of felt or paper

Pincer Grasp Activities

  1. Wind-up toys
  2. String beads
  3. Sort beads and buttons by color, shape, or size
  4. Lacing activities (see picture above)
  5. Spin tops
  6. Tinker time: Punch holes in a piece of cardboard.  Push dull ended screws through the holes and secure with nuts (pictured)
  7. Build a 3-D structure using marshmallows and toothpicks
  8. Practice picking up small rocks, peas, or beans
  9. Make tweezers using chopsticks to pick up small items such as pom poms, cotton balls, or even wadded up paper (see picture above)
  10. Pluck pieces of grass or pick small wild flowers using the pincer grasp
  11. Go on a nature hunt collecting seeds and other small treasures from the ground
  12. Using play dough, modeling clay, or thera-putty make a snake and roll out small balls to pinch using the pincer grasp
  13. Using a clothes pin, pick up small items such as cotton balls or pom poms or even wadded up paper.
  14. String noodles or cereal.  Make a necklace or garland out of it.
  15. Turn on/off all lamps in the house
  16. Participate in meal prep such as snapping beans, peeling wrappers, opening bags, etc.
  17. Peel and place stickers
  18. Place coins in a piggy bank or small beads in a container with a small opening such as an empty spice container
  19. Draw and write using sidewalk chalk
  20. Blow and pop bubbles making sure to use the pincer grasp while holding the wand and also while popping the bubbles- think “alligator mouth” while popping bubbles.
  21. Eye dropper art projects (rainbow eye dropper project or eye dropper leaf project)
  22. Participate in fine motor games such as Lite Brite, Legos, geoboards, board games with small game pieces, or card games
  23. Peel and tear masking tape, create a piece of art using the tape pieces. 
  24. Look through and read a book turning pages one at a time using the pincer grasp
  25. Tear small pieces of paper and make a collage.  Glue pieces using a Q-tip cut in half.
  26. Cut a Q-tip in half, make dot art using paint (see picture above)
  27. Make a dried bean art masterpiece like this Thanksgiving turkey.  Create your own design. 
  28. Play button tic-tac-toe (pictured above)
  29. Using pipe cleaners, create your own design or wrap it around a pencil creating a bouncy spring.
  30. Pop bubble wrap- large and small 

*Caution!  As with any fine motor activity, please use caution when working with small items with children under the age of 3 years or for anyone who chews on non-food items. 

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Resources

Pincer Grasp Resources

Pincer Grasp Art Activities

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