Recommendations for a quality magnetic pickup tool.

[evintho]

I've got a cheap (probably HF) magnetic pickup tool that wouldn't even remove the C-clips in my Ford 8.8 rearend. Who makes a good one, preferrably telescopic, that can lift heavy bolts and metal objects that may be covered with grease and oil and that won't break the bank?

 

[jsmeece]

Check Sears Craftsman, most are rebranded Ullman likely on sale this week.
http://www.sears.com/search=magneti...2605&searsTab=true&storeId=10153&levels=Tools

I have three of these: good up to 16lbs. Currently $8.99
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-mega...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

I have several different ones from Tekton (7601 and 7605) too, not sure if they still have them. I think the 7605 is only 8lbs, while the smaller 7601 is 3.5 lbs. these were about $6 to $3 dollars each. Really like the Craftsman one's better, they seem better built.

 

[cdods]

I know you said magnetic, but I've found the claw style works a lot better in most situations. I've got one similar to this:

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000RB7AGY/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Grab a rare earth magnet in it and send it down if you need a magnet.

 

[Lelandwelds]

Jancy mfg an excellent one intended for swarf. It looks like Fein discontinued it.

Take a rare earth magnet and crimp it (or epoxy) into an aluminum tube handle. Add a captive outer aluminum handle closed on magnet end. Separate the two for the iron parts to fall off. (The outer sleeve and magnet end are close in size. The inner handle is much smaller.)

 

[BDT/NWMN]

The generic telescopic magnets from Auto-Value are powerful.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you want the best:
http://www.ullman-devices.com/Magnetic_pickup_tools/Hi-Tech_magnetic_picup_tools_w_powercap.html

 

[Danglerb]

If you want the best:
http://www.ullman-devices.com/Magnetic_pickup_tools/Hi-Tech_magnetic_picup_tools_w_powercap.html

Any that look like this are great, sleeve over magnet keeps it from sticking from the sides on the way to whatever you are want to grab.

You need two more at least, one basic smaller one with a bendable shaft, and one smaller basic telescoping.

 

[plinker]

Ullman makes the for Matco & Snap-on (Blue point label), others as well I'm sure.

Very good tools.

You need two more at least, one basic smaller one with a bendable shaft, and one smaller basic telescoping.

+1

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Ullman makes the for Matco & Snap-on (Blue point label), others as well I'm sure.

I'll take that to mean COO is China? Based on the "Blue Point" designation that is.

Any US-made versions?

 

[foolio]

I have three varieties of Craftsman. Bought several years ago. Haven’t felt like they let my down yet.

 

[plinker]

I'll take that to mean COO is China? Based on the "Blue Point" designation that is.

Any US-made versions?

Not imported actually, US made. Blue point is just re-branded tools that Snap-on doesnt make itself. Quite a bit is imported though.

https://store.snapon.com/Magnetic-Pickup-Tool-Magnetic-Telescoping-Lifts-4-1-2-lb-Blue-Point--P636585.aspx

 

[bsg1]

I use an OldSchool Snap-on magnetic pickup tool. I use an older Blue-Point claw pickup tool when it is not feasible to use the Snap-on.

 

[slowTA]

I know jegs has an 8 and 16 pound version, but haven't seen one in person yet.

 

[vssjim]

I'll take that to mean COO is China? Based on the "Blue Point" designation that is.

Any US-made versions?

Ullman Devices make almost all their stuff in the USA they are good quality and good value

 

[Wamsutta]

I'll take that to mean COO is China? Based on the "Blue Point" designation that is.

Any US-made versions?

Would I have said the best if it was made in China?

I thought everybody knew about Ullman.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Not imported actually, US made. Blue point is just re-branded tools that Snap-on doesnt make itself. Quite a bit is imported though.

I always assumed 100% of Blue point was imported. I don't doubt you, because it was just my assumption, but I'm confused about your explanation though because I thought quite a bit of the standard non-bluepoint line was also re-branded tools that Snap on doesn't make it self. As described in the tool trucks equivalent thread.

Offhand stuff like awls and snap ring pliers are rebranded from another company, but they are US-made, and lack the blue point identifier.

So if it's true not all blue point products are imported, then what does blue point actually mean? I know it can't be that all rebranded products fall under blue point, because they just don't. So how does a product get branded as blue point then?

 

[Wamsutta]

So how does a product get branded as blue point then?

Blue-Point used to mean a product that Snap-on stocked that was not actually made by Snap-on. In the old days, Snap-on would never put their name on a product unless they manufactured it themselves. In the old days, a Blue-Point impact gun was made by Ingersol-Rand or one of the other high quality air tool manufacturers that produced their tools in the USA. Back in the day, all Blue-Point tools were made in the USA.

In recent years, Snap-on has strayed away from their rule of not branding something Snap-on unless they made it; and Blue-Point is not always USA now because some of those old companies that were making tools for the Blue-Point brand have either moved their production offshore or have gone out of business entirely.

 

[four.cycle]

Ullman Devices make almost all their stuff in the USA they are good quality and good value

Ullman has been the manufacturer of magnetic pick-up tools, inspection mirrors, and screw starters for all kinds of other tool "manufacturers" for decades.
The unit posted above by Danglerb is a nice one.
They make a number of other models.

Ullman Devices Corporation, 664 Danbury Road, Ridgefield CT 06877 http://www.ullman-devices.com/

 

[lilcraigford]

Ullman makes the for Matco & Snap-on (Blue point label), others as well I'm sure.

Very good tools.

+1

Blue Point, Craftsman, Mac, Matco, SK and Williams all relabel Ullman magnetic pickup tools and inspection mirrors. Proto has pickup tools that are probably Ullman, but I'm not 100% sure. There are probably others as well.

 

[markhm]

Some of the recent Ullman tools I have gotten say that they are made with imported and domestic parts but all are assembled in USA.

All the Craftsman pickup and inspection tools were sourced from Ullman, but Ullman supplied items are listed as discontinued on the list a GJ member posted recently. The Ullman sourced socket rails at at very low prices at Sears because this vendor is discontinued.

 

[Fbmoose48]

Stahlwille makes some nice flexible pickup tools with varying magnetic strength ratings.

 

[-OSIS-]

I love my bluepoint one with and aluminium shield.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Any advise on which are the best strength ullman magnetic pick up tools to buy? I've been in the market for one and now that I know they are the best, I'll get one of theirs.

But I see they come in several strengths - 2.5 lbs, 5 pounds, etc.

I guess the answer is it depends on what you're trying to pick up but in general what does the crew here think? Do you just have one medium strength one or do you find the need for multiple strengths depending on what you're picking up

 

[mmason7764]

I bought this Ullman set from Bowers Tools. Worked good the couple of times I've needed it:

https://bowerstool.com/ullman-mega-...ol-inspection-mirror-textured-grip-16lbs-usa/

Couldn't use the link feature with my ipad.

 

[lilcraigford]

Some of the recent Ullman tools I have gotten say that they are made with imported and domestic parts but all are assembled in USA...

In the case of Ullman magnetic pickup tools, I believe the imported in "made with imported and domestic parts" is because of the magnets, but don't take my word for it. I'm pretty sure I read that somewhere, here on the Journal, but a quick search didn't yield anything. Maybe someone else can confirm!

 

[davethorik]

Check Sears Craftsman, most are rebranded Ullman likely on sale this week.
http://www.sears.com/search=magneti...2605&searsTab=true&storeId=10153&levels=Tools

I have three of these: good up to 16lbs. Currently $8.99
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-mega...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

That's funny, both of the Craftsman magnetic pickup tools I bought in 06-07 are still offered for sale by Sears!

I have both the 47071 and the 46968, pictured below. The 47071 is the smaller one w/ red grip. I am pretty sure it was in a bulk display box on the counter of Sears Hardware, and cheap...but worth it's weight in gold. 2-3/4 lb so not the strongest, but great for tight places.

The 46968 is a bruiser compared to the small one. The grip looks like the Ullman pictured in this thread. From what I recall the individually carded package said made in USA. 12.5" closed, extends to 4'. 16 lb magnet. As a machinist this is an invaluable tool to fish dropped 123 blocks, parallels, and drills out of CNC enclosures.

 

[evintho]

Well, I went with the recommendations here. My new Ullman HT-3 just arrived! Very pleased!! Has a powerful magnet that'll pick up 10 lbs and a sliding PowerCap that won't attach to metal around it while fishing down between an engine and surrounding metal. It extends two feet yet is lightweight. $15 shipped off Ebay. This one works well and should last a lifetime! Thanks GJ'ers!!