Claw Pick Up Tools

About Claw Pick Up Tools

Claw pick up tools are essential retrieval devices designed to recover dropped items from awkward, hard-to-reach locations that fingers simply cannot access. Featuring flexible or rigid shafts with spring-loaded mechanical claw mechanisms at the tip, these ingenious tools extend your reach into engine bays, behind radiators, down drains, under floorboards, and countless other confined spaces. The claw prongs grip securely onto screws, nuts, bolts, washers, and small components, eliminating the frustration and wasted time of fishing out dropped parts with improvised methods.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks claw pick up tools from trusted professional brands including Sealey, Draper, Faithfull, and Siegen. Available in various configurations from compact 600mm models to extended versions over a metre in length, many feature flexible gooseneck shafts that navigate around obstacles whilst maintaining control. Popular options include dual-ended magnetic and claw designs, multi-piece sets, and models with LED illumination for dark recesses, providing versatile solutions for different retrieval scenarios across trade and DIY applications.

Applications

Claw pick up tools are invaluable across numerous trades and situations:

• Motor mechanics and vehicle technicians – retrieving dropped components from engine bays, under vehicles, and tight automotive spaces
• Electricians and sparkies – recovering fixings behind fitted units, consumer units, and wall cavities
• Plumbers and heating engineers – fishing components from behind boilers, under baths, and within pipework installations
• HVAC engineers – retrieving fixings from air conditioning units and ventilation systems
• Maintenance engineers – recovering items from machinery, industrial equipment, and confined plant rooms
• Joiners and chippies – retrieving fixings during fitted furniture installation and carpentry work
• General builders – recovering dropped items from wall cavities, suspended ceilings, and construction sites
• DIY enthusiasts – home improvement projects and vehicle maintenance

Choosing The Right Claw Pick Up Tools

Reach and Length: Consider the typical depth you'll need to access. Compact tools around 600mm suit general workshop use, whilst extended models over a metre are necessary for deep engine bays or beneath vehicles. Telescopic models offer adjustable versatility.

Shaft Flexibility: Flexible or gooseneck shafts navigate around obstacles and corners but ensure sufficient rigidity for control. Rigid shafts provide better precision in straight-line applications but lack manoeuvrability.

Claw Design: Check the number of prongs (typically three or four) and maximum opening diameter. Larger claws grip bigger objects but may struggle in tighter spaces.

Magnetic vs Mechanical: Magnetic tips excel at retrieving ferrous metal items without gripping but won't work on non-magnetic materials. Mechanical claws offer universal compatibility. Many professionals at MyToolShed.co.uk opt for combination sets featuring both options.

Build Quality: Professional-grade tools from established brands like Sealey, Draper, and Faithfull offer superior longevity for demanding site use with robust construction and reliable trigger mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between claw and magnetic pick up tools?

Claw pick up tools use mechanical spring-loaded prongs to grip objects regardless of material, making them suitable for plastic, rubber, aluminium, and non-ferrous items. Magnetic pick up tools only work with ferrous metals but don't require precise positioning. Many professionals keep both types available, and several manufacturers offer combination sets for maximum versatility.

How much weight can a claw pick up tool typically lift?

Most standard claw pick up tools can safely retrieve items weighing between 200g to 1kg, depending on the model's construction quality and claw design. The flexible shaft and gripping angle also affect lifting capacity. Always check the manufacturer's specifications, and remember that awkward angles or extended reach will reduce the effective lifting capability.

How do I maintain my claw pick up tool?

Keep the claw mechanism clean and free from debris that might prevent smooth operation. Periodically apply a small amount of light machine oil to moving parts, particularly the trigger mechanism and claw pivot points. Store in a dry environment to prevent corrosion, ensuring reliable performance for years to come.