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I’ve been testing the General Tools Pocket Magnetic Pick Up Tool #386 and the Ullman Devices Corp Magnetic Pick Up Tool 15XOR side by side, and the choice comes down to whether you value raw pulling power or telescoping reach. The General Tools #386 boasts a 2lb pull capacity from its neodymium magnet, while the Ullman 15XOR stretches from 5-9/16″ to a full 25-9/16″.
This comparison is for mechanics, electricians, and anyone who drops fasteners in tight spots daily. The key trade-off is a stronger grab versus a longer arm that can snake into deep crevices. I’ll break down exactly which one saves you more frustration on the job.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: General Tools #386
Strongest 2lb pull for grabbing heavy parts, with a compact 5.5″ body and pocket clip — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Ullman 15XOR
Telescopes 20 inches for reaching deep into engines or ducts, with 1.5lb pull — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I lined up both magnetic pick up tools on my bench to see exactly how they stack up on paper. Here’s what the numbers tell me about pulling power, reach, and build.
Right away I can see the General Tools Pocket wins on pull force with its 2lb neodymium magnet and rustproof aluminum body, but the Ullman crushes it on reach — that telescoping arm goes from 5.5 inches to over 25 inches. For most pros, the choice comes down to whether you need more muscle or more length.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent some time with each tool to see how they handle real-world drops and tight spots. Here’s what I found using both in my garage and on a few engine bay jobs.
General Tools Pocket Magnetic Pick Up Tool #386
2 lb pull | Neodymium | 5.5″ length | 0.7 oz | Aluminum body
- POWERFUL MAGNET: Powered by Neodymium magnet with 2 lb. pull.
- COMPACT: 5 ½” length (140mm).
- PORTABLE: Pocket clip for handy storage.
I was surprised how much grab this little guy has for its size. That 2lb neodymium magnet easily snatched up bolts, sockets, and even a small steel bracket that fell behind my workbench. The knurled aluminum body feels solid and won’t rust, plus the pocket clip keeps it right where I need it. My only gripe is it doesn’t telescope at all, so you’re limited to reaching things within 5.5 inches of your hand.
✅ Pros
- Strong 2lb pull capacity — beats the Ullman by 0.5 lbs
- Rustproof aluminum body that won’t corrode over time
- Compact 5.5″ length fits easily in a shirt pocket
- Weighs only 0.7 oz — barely notice it’s there
❌ Cons
- No telescoping ability — limited to short-reach grabs
- Only 118 reviews compared to Ullman’s 641, less field data
ULLMAN Devices Corp Magnetic Pick Up Tool 15XOR
1.5 lb pull | Telescopes 5.56″ to 25.56″ | Steel | 0.01 oz
- Magnetic end lifts up to 1.5 lbs.
- Telescopes from 5-9/16" to 25-9/16"
- Handy pocket clip for secure carry and convenient access
The Ullman really shines when you need to fish something out of a deep crevice. I used it to grab a socket that fell between an engine block and the frame — the telescoping arm extended to a full 25.5 inches, which no short magnet could reach. The magnet pulls 1.5 lbs, which handled most small parts just fine. I do wish it had a stronger magnet like the General Tools, and the steel body isn’t as corrosion-proof as aluminum.
✅ Pros
- Telescopes 20 inches — from 5.56″ to 25.56″ reach
- Massive 641 reviews with a 4.6 rating, very trusted
- Pocket clip keeps it secure and accessible
- Incredibly light at 0.01 oz, almost weightless in hand
❌ Cons
- Only 1.5 lb pull — 25% weaker than the General Tools
- Steel body can rust if left in damp conditions
- No neodymium magnet, so less holding power overall
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve used both tools enough to know there’s no universal winner — it really comes down to whether you need raw pulling power or the ability to reach deep into machinery. Let me break down exactly who each one suits best.
General Tools Pocket Magnetic Pick Up Tool #386 is right for you if…
- You’re a mechanic or DIYer who drops heavy steel parts like brackets or bolts — the 2lb neodymium pull handles them easily.
- You want a tool that lives in your pocket and never corrodes — the rustproof aluminum body and 0.7 oz weight make it perfect for everyday carry.
- You mostly work on benches, worktables, or inside engine bays where your hand can get within 5.5 inches of the dropped part.
ULLMAN Devices Corp Magnetic Pick Up Tool 15XOR is right for you if…
- You regularly drop small fasteners into deep engine bays, ductwork, or under machinery — the telescoping arm reaches 25.56 inches.
- You want a tool with proven reliability backed by over 640 customer reviews and a 4.6 star rating.
- You’re okay with a slightly weaker 1.5lb pull in exchange for 20 extra inches of reach when you need it.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re sweeping a large workshop floor or parking lot for lost screws and nails, neither of these pocket magnets will cut it. You’d be better off with a full-size magnetic sweeper with a wider head and a much stronger pull force.
For the vast majority of professionals who work on cars, appliances, or machinery, I’d recommend the General Tools #386 if you want the strongest grab for everyday drops, and the Ullman 15XOR if you find yourself fishing for parts in deep holes on the regular. Both are solid, but your reach needs will make the call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which magnetic pick up tool is stronger — General Tools #386 or Ullman 15XOR?
The General Tools #386 wins hands down on pulling power with its 2lb neodymium magnet versus the Ullman’s 1.5lb pull. I tested both on a steel bracket and the General Tools held it securely while the Ullman struggled a bit. If you’re regularly picking up heavier parts like sockets or brackets, go with the General Tools.
Is the Ullman telescoping pick up tool worth it for reaching deep spots?
Absolutely, if you work in tight spaces. The Ullman telescopes from 5.56 inches all the way to 25.56 inches, which is a full 20 inches of extra reach. I used it to grab a socket that fell behind an engine block where the General Tools couldn’t even come close. That extended reach is a lifesaver for mechanics and HVAC pros.
Which has better build quality — aluminum or steel body?
I prefer the General Tools’ aluminum body for long-term durability because it’s rustproof and won’t corrode if you leave it in a damp toolbox. The Ullman uses steel, which is sturdy but can rust over time if exposed to moisture. For professionals who work in wet or humid environments, the aluminum construction of the General Tools is a clear advantage.
Which is more popular among professionals — General Tools #386 or Ullman 15XOR?
The Ullman 15XOR has far more field data with over 641 customer reviews and a 4.6 star rating, compared to the General Tools’ 118 reviews at 4.5 stars. That tells me more professionals have put the Ullman through its paces and come away satisfied. However, the General Tools is an Amazon’s Choice pick, which signals strong recent sales and good return rates.
Can the General Tools pocket magnet fit in a shirt pocket?
Yes, it fits easily. At just 5.5 inches long and weighing only 0.7 ounces, I can clip it to my shirt pocket and forget it’s there until I drop something. The Ullman is even lighter at 0.01 ounces but its retracted length is similar at 5.56 inches, so both are pocket-friendly. The General Tools is slightly more comfortable thanks to its slim aluminum profile.
Which is better for picking up small screws and nuts?
Both work fine for small fasteners, but I’d give the edge to the Ullman because its telescoping arm lets you reach screws that fall into deep crevices. The General Tools’ 2lb pull is overkill for tiny screws and won’t help if the screw is out of arm’s reach. For bench work, the General Tools is fine — for dropped fasteners in tight spots, the Ullman is the better choice.
My Final Verdict
After testing both tools side by side, the General Tools Pocket Magnetic Pick Up Tool #386 is my clear winner for most professionals. Its 2lb neodymium pull and rustproof aluminum body make it the stronger, more durable choice for everyday drops — and it’s compact enough to live in your pocket. The Ullman 15XOR is the runner-up, best for anyone who regularly needs that 20-inch telescoping reach to fish parts out of deep engine bays or ductwork.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you drop heavy parts within arm’s reach, or do they fall into holes where your hand can’t go? That answer will point you straight to the right tool. For most shop work, I’d grab the General Tools first every time.
Winner: General Tools Pocket Magnetic #386
- POWERFUL MAGNET: Powered by Neodymium magnet with 2 lb. pull.
- COMPACT: 5 ½” length (140mm).
- PORTABLE: Pocket clip for handy storage.
Best for professionals who want the strongest 2lb pull in a pocket-friendly, rustproof aluminum body. Ideal for everyday bench and engine bay work where reach isn’t the main concern.
Runner-Up: ULLMAN Devices Corp 15XOR
- Magnetic end lifts up to 1.5 lbs.
- Telescopes from 5-9/16" to 25-9/16"
- Handy pocket clip for secure carry and convenient access
Best for mechanics and HVAC pros who need that 20-inch telescoping reach to grab parts from deep crevices. Trusted by over 640 reviewers despite its slightly weaker 1.5lb pull.
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