Tool Review: WorkShop 87602 Telescoping Magnetic Pick-Up Tool

Key Features:
 +   Strong magnet
 +   18" reach


Any time you're working with electronic or mechanical parts, there's the danger of dropping or losing a screw, nut, bolt, clip, etc.  If you don't have a replacement for the one you lost and you can't find it, things can get bad.  If the one you lost drops onto a circuit board or electronic component, things can get worse.  Having a magnetic pick-up tool nearby can often save you in these situations.  One good, cheap tool is the WorkShop telescoping magnetic pick-up tool (model #87602).

WorkShop makes solid tools that are often sold for very low prices.  This telescoping tool, for example, is sold at a local Ace Hardware store for $1.99.  For that price, it is definitely a good buy.  (Amazon.com lists it for $3.02.)

The tool is about the size of a standard pen, approximately six inches long, though a little heavier than a pen would be.  When fully extended, it stretches to about 18 inches.  The head is large and flat, and the magnet is strong enough to pick up metal up to 1/4 pound in weight.  The sides of the magnetic head are attractive as well, though not with nearly as much power as the head itself.  Like with other magnets, this tool should be kept away from hard drives and other magnetic media or storage devices.

The tool has two joints behind the head, which allows for slightly more flexibility than a single joint would.  WorkShop labels it as a "dual ball joint."  The tension on both of these joints can be adjusted with a small Phillips screwdriver so the joints will either be stiffer or looser.

This tool can be carried in your pocket, as long as you're not also carrying anything like a USB drive that could be damaged by the magnet.  It comes with a pocket clip, but the clip can be removed if you don't want it.  The tool takes up about as much space as a ball point pen and it only weighs a little bit more.

For $1.99, this tool is definitely recommended.  The price may vary at other stores, but it will probably still be cheaper than many other brands.  Similar tools often sell for around $5 or $7 each.  If you want more from a pick-up tool, such as LED lighting, more flexibility, or a longer reach, then you'll probably have to pay significantly more.  In addition to the 87602 pick-up tool, WorkShop makes the 87603 model, which extends to 33 inches and can attract metal objects up to eight pounds in weight.

(Originally published on Helium.com, June 2013)