How to Choose a Grabber Stick for Small Objects
📥 Download PDFA grabber stick is a tool that can pick up items from hard-to-reach places such as wells, narrow gaps, or deep cavities where a human hand cannot reach.
This post about how to choose a grabber stick for small objects
They are also called reacher tool, hand grip, claws for grabbing.
There are two types: mechanical and magnetic. The shaft of these sticks is usually flexible.
Stick types are divided into flexible and non-flexible. Length: fixed and telescopic. Materials: aluminum, steel, plastic
Since they are inexpensive, it’s better to buy both types. But if my budget is limited, i should buy the one that best fits my specific needs.
Advantages
Mechanical hook or grabber: this type works best when i can see the object but can’t reach it. The material of the object does not matter.
Magnetic grabber: this type is suitable only when the object is not visible (for example, a bolt dropped into used oil) and the object is made of steel. Aluminum, copper, plastic, and other non-magnetic materials cannot be picked up.
Grabber Stick Comparison
| Feature | Mechanical Grabber | Magnetic Grabber |
|---|---|---|
| Works without visibility | ✘ | ✔ |
| Works with any material | ✔ | ✘ Steel only |
| Precision grip | High | Medium |
| Flexible shaft | ✔ | ✔ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Best use case | Visible objects | Hidden metal objects |
| Price | Low | Low |
My Final Choice
The choice is obvious — I choose the flexible metallic mechanical grabber stick. The length is 40 inches, which is enough for me for many tasks. It is about 70% more versatile than the magnetic one. It can pick up almost anything as long as the object is visible and within reach. And if the object is not visible, for example in deep water or black used oil, I can always attach a magnet to it. This way, there’s no need to pay extra for two separate tools.
Choose by Situation Table
| Situation | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| You can see the object but cannot reach it | Mechanical |
| The object is inside oil, dirt, or water | Magnetic |
| Material is unknown | Mechanical |
| Working blindly (no visibility) | Magnetic |
| You want one universal tool only | Mechanical |
How to attach a magnet to a mechanical gripper
I take a plastic bag and put a small magnet in it. I twist the bag and tie it to the end of a mechanical clamp or any other long stick.
What to do if the grabber stick breaks
If the material of the item is not magnetic i'll try to make a hook or a cup out of wire.
What other types are there
I think there are also sticks with a camera. I can also make them yourself. We'll see, I don't need one right now. Unless the bolt falls into the piston well. Just for the note for me.
