Inspection & Pick Up Tools

About Inspection & Pick Up Tools

Inspection and pick up tools are essential problem-solving accessories for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts who need to retrieve dropped items from awkward spaces or examine hard-to-reach areas. This versatile category at MyToolShed.co.uk encompasses magnetic pick up tools for retrieving ferrous metal objects, claw pick up tools with flexible grabbing mechanisms for non-magnetic items, inspection mirrors for visual access to concealed areas, magnifying glasses for detailed examination work, and various magnets for holding and organising metal components.

Whether you're a mechanic fishing out dropped sockets from engine bays, an electrician checking behind wall cavities, or a plumber inspecting pipework, these tools help you work smarter and avoid costly delays. Modern designs combine robust construction with practical features such as telescopic handles, LED illumination, articulating heads, and ergonomic grips that withstand daily professional use.

Applications

Inspection and pick up tools are invaluable across numerous trades and applications:

• Motor Mechanics: Retrieving dropped bolts, washers, and sockets from engine compartments and inspecting hard-to-reach components
• Electricians: Examining wiring in ceiling voids, retrieving dropped fixings from electrical enclosures, and inspecting connections behind fixtures
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Inspecting pipework behind walls, retrieving dropped compression fittings, and examining joints in confined spaces
• Joiners and Carpenters: Picking up dropped screws and nails, inspecting alignment in tight spaces, and examining detailed joinery work
• HVAC Engineers: Inspecting ductwork and ventilation systems, retrieving tools from plant rooms
• Manufacturing Workers: Retrieving dropped components from machinery and preventing production line stoppages
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home maintenance, vehicle repairs, and renovation projects where items fall into awkward locations

Choosing The Right Inspection & Pick Up Tools

Material Compatibility: Identify whether you primarily handle ferrous metals (use magnetic pick up tools) or non-magnetic materials like aluminium, plastic, or stainless steel fixings (require claw-style tools). Many professionals at MyToolShed.co.uk carry both types to cover all eventualities.

Reach and Extension: Telescopic tools extend from pocket-sized lengths to over a metre. Mechanics typically benefit from 600-900mm tools for engine bay access, whilst electricians often prefer 300-600mm versions for ceiling void work. Consider whether you need rigid shafts for precise control or flexible versions to navigate around obstacles.

Lifting Capacity: Magnetic pick up tools range from lightweight versions lifting 500g to heavy-duty models capable of 20kg or more. Choose based on typical item weight—mechanics may need higher capacity for heavy sockets, whilst electronics work requires only minimal lifting force.

Illumination and Mirror Size: If you frequently work in poorly lit areas under vehicles or inside cabinets, prioritise tools with integrated LED lighting. Inspection mirrors come in various head sizes from 25mm to over 100mm diameter, with smaller mirrors navigating tighter spaces and larger versions offering better visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between neodymium and ceramic magnets in pick up tools?

Neodymium (rare-earth) magnets offer significantly greater holding power in a smaller, lighter package compared to traditional ceramic magnets. A neodymium magnetic pick up tool might lift 5kg whilst being half the weight and size of a ceramic equivalent, providing better reach and less fatigue for professional use.

Why won't my magnetic pick up tool attract stainless steel screws?

Not all stainless steel grades are magnetic. Austenitic stainless steels (the most common type, including 304 and 316 grades) are non-magnetic due to their nickel and chromium content. For non-magnetic stainless fixings, you'll need a claw-style pick up tool instead.

What length of pick up tool should I choose?

Consider your most common applications. Motor mechanics typically benefit from 600-900mm telescopic tools, electricians working in domestic properties often prefer 300-600mm tools, and electronics technicians may only need 150-300mm pocket tools. Telescopic models offer excellent versatility, extending when needed but remaining compact for storage.