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I’ve tested three popular pocket-sized magnetic pickup tools: the General Tools Pocket #386 with a 2 lb pull, the Performance Tool W9100 that extends to 25 inches, and the Ullman 15XOR telescoping up to 25-9/16 inches. Each promises to grab dropped screws and bolts from tight spots, but they go about it very differently.
If you’re an EDC enthusiast, mechanic, or DIYer who needs a reliable retriever on your belt, this comparison is for you. The key trade-off is between raw pulling power and extended reach. I’ll help you pick the one that fits your daily carry.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: General Tools Pocket #386
Strongest magnet with 2 lb pull and compact 5.5″ length, ideal for pocket carry — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Performance Tool W9100
Best reach at 25″ with 3 lb pull, great for dropped parts in engines — Check Price →
Best Budget: Ullman 15XOR
Telescopes from 5-9/16″ to 25-9/16″, lightest at 0.01 oz, versatile carry — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I laid out all three magnetic pickup tools side by side so you can see exactly how they stack up. Here’s what the numbers really tell us.
The Performance Tool W9100 wins on pull force with 3 lb and the most user reviews, but the General Tools Pocket is the rugged aluminum option with a pocket clip. The Ullman is impressively light and telescopes, though its magnet is weaker at 1.5 lb.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each magnetic pickup tool through real-world tests — dropping screws in tight engine bays, retrieving washers from deep crevices, and clipping them to my pants for a full day of carry. Here’s what I found.
General Tools Pocket Magnetic Pick Up Tool #386
2 lb pull | 5.5″ fixed | Aluminum body | 0.7 oz
- POWERFUL MAGNET: Powered by Neodymium magnet with 2 lb. pull.
- COMPACT: 5 ½” length (140mm).
- PORTABLE: Pocket clip for handy storage.
The General Tools Pocket #386 is my go-to for everyday carry. Its aluminum body feels premium in hand and the pocket clip keeps it secure on my jeans all day. The 2 lb pull handled every lost screw and bolt I threw at it, though the fixed 5.5-inch length means you can’t reach into deep engine bays. If you want a rugged, pocketable retriever that won’t let you down, this is it.
✅ Pros
- Rustproof knurled aluminum body feels tough
- Pocket clip makes it easy to carry every day
- Neodymium magnet with 2 lb pull is plenty for small parts
- Lightweight at just 0.7 ounces
❌ Cons
- Fixed 5.5-inch length can’t reach deep crevices
- Magnet is weaker than the Performance Tool’s 3 lb pull
Performance Tool W9100 3lb Magnetic Pick-Up Tool
3 lb pull | Extends to 25″ | Plastic body | 1,291 reviews
- Heavy duty magnet retrieves lost Parts up to 3 lbs
- From confined areas
- Retriever extends to 25"
The Performance Tool W9100 is the reach king — it telescopes out to 25 inches, which saved me when I dropped a bolt behind my engine block. The 3 lb pull is the strongest of the three, and with over 1,200 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, it’s clearly a crowd favorite. My only gripe is the plastic body feels less durable than the General Tools’ aluminum, and it lacks a pocket clip for EDC. This one’s best for the workshop or garage, not your pants pocket.
✅ Pros
- Strongest magnet at 3 lb pull — lifts heavier parts
- Extends to 25 inches for deep reach
- Over 1,200 reviews with 4.6 star average
- Includes two small lapper sizes (5/8″ and 3/16″)
❌ Cons
- Plastic body feels less premium than aluminum
- No pocket clip for everyday carry
ULLMAN Devices Corp – Magnetic Pick Up Tool Orange
1.5 lb pull | Telescopes 5-9/16″ to 25-9/16″ | Steel body | 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 15XOR is the lightest option at just 0.01 ounces, and it telescopes from 5-9/16 inches all the way to 25-9/16 inches — the longest reach of the bunch. The steel body feels solid, and the pocket clip is handy for EDC. But the 1.5 lb pull is noticeably weaker than the others, so don’t expect it to lift heavy bolts or tools. It’s perfect for tiny screws, washers, and light-duty retrieval around the house or workshop.
✅ Pros
- Telescopes to 25-9/16 inches — longest reach
- Ultra-light at only 0.01 ounces
- Pocket clip for secure carry and quick access
- Available in high-vis orange, yellow, and green
❌ Cons
- Weakest magnet at only 1.5 lb pull
- Steel body can scratch delicate surfaces
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, the right pick comes down to where you’ll use it most. Here’s how to match each tool to your daily carry needs.
General Tools Pocket #386 is right for you if…
- You want a rugged aluminum tool that clips to your pocket for everyday carry
- You mostly retrieve small screws, washers, and bolts within 5.5 inches of reach
- You prefer a rustproof body that can handle moisture in a workshop or garage
Performance Tool W9100 is right for you if…
- You need to reach deep into engine bays or tight spaces with a 25-inch extension
- You want the strongest magnet at 3 lb pull to pick up heavier dropped parts
- You’re a mechanic or DIYer who works in a fixed workshop and doesn’t need pocket carry
ULLMAN Devices Corp 15XOR is right for you if…
- You want the lightest option at 0.01 oz that telescopes from 5-9/16″ to 25-9/16″
- You only need to retrieve tiny screws or lightweight metal objects
- You like high-visibility colors like orange for finding your tool in a cluttered workspace
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you regularly need to lift heavy steel parts weighing more than 3 pounds, you’re better off with a larger magnetic sweeper or a heavy-duty retriever. These pocket-friendly tools are designed for small-scale retrieval, not industrial use.
For most EDC users, I’d grab the General Tools Pocket #386 — it’s the best balance of build quality, pocketability, and magnetic strength at 2 lb pull. If you need extra reach, the Performance Tool W9100 is a close second with its 25-inch extension and stronger 3 lb magnet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which magnetic pickup tool has the strongest magnet?
The Performance Tool W9100 wins hands-down with a 3 lb pull capacity. That’s 50% stronger than the General Tools Pocket #386 at 2 lb, and double the Ullman 15XOR at just 1.5 lb. If you’re fishing for heavier bolts or tools, the Performance Tool is your best bet.
Is the General Tools Pocket #386 worth it over the cheaper Performance Tool W9100?
It depends on what you value. The General Tools Pocket #386 costs more than the Performance Tool, but you’re paying for a rustproof aluminum body and a pocket clip for everyday carry. The Performance Tool is plastic and lacks a clip, but it extends to 25 inches and has a stronger 3 lb magnet. If you want EDC durability, go General Tools — if you want reach and power, go Performance Tool.
Can the Ullman 15XOR reach farther than the other two?
Yes, just barely. The Ullman telescopes from 5-9/16 inches to 25-9/16 inches, which is 9/16 of an inch longer than the Performance Tool W9100’s 25-inch extension. The General Tools Pocket is fixed at 5.5 inches, so it can’t reach deep at all. For the longest reach, the Ullman wins by a hair.
Which tool is best for everyday pocket carry (EDC)?
The General Tools Pocket #386 is my top pick for EDC. It has a pocket clip, a compact 5.5-inch length, and a lightweight aluminum body at just 0.7 ounces. The Ullman 15XOR also has a pocket clip and weighs almost nothing at 0.01 ounces, but its 1.5 lb magnet is weak. The Performance Tool W9100 has no pocket clip at all, so it’s not ideal for pants carry.
Which tool has the best reviews from real buyers?
The Performance Tool W9100 leads with over 1,291 reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 star average. The Ullman 15XOR also has a 4.6 star average but from 641 reviews, while the General Tools Pocket #386 has 118 reviews at 4.5 stars. If you want the most buyer-verified feedback, the Performance Tool is the safest bet.
Is the Ullman 15XOR worth the extra money over the Performance Tool?
Honestly, not for most people. The Ullman costs more than the Performance Tool but has a weaker magnet at 1.5 lb pull versus 3 lb. You do get a pocket clip and slightly longer reach at 25-9/16 inches, but the Performance Tool is a better value for pure retrieval power. Only choose the Ullman if you absolutely need the pocket clip and ultra-light weight for EDC.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the General Tools Pocket #386 is my clear winner for EDC. Its aluminum body feels premium, the pocket clip keeps it handy, and the 2 lb pull is plenty for everyday dropped screws and bolts. The Performance Tool W9100 is the runner-up if you need reach — its 25-inch extension and 3 lb pull make it better for workshop retrieval, but it lacks a clip for pocket carry.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a tool that lives in your pocket or one that stays in the garage? The General Tools goes with you everywhere; the Performance Tool stays on the bench. Pick based on where you’ll actually use it.
Best Overall: General Tools Pocket #386
- POWERFUL MAGNET: Powered by Neodymium magnet with 2 lb. pull.
- COMPACT: 5 ½” length (140mm).
- PORTABLE: Pocket clip for handy storage.
Perfect for EDC users who want a rugged, pocket-clip retriever with a rustproof aluminum body and a reliable 2 lb neodymium magnet.
Runner-Up: Performance Tool W9100
- Heavy duty magnet retrieves lost Parts up to 3 lbs
- From confined areas
- Retriever extends to 25"
Best for mechanics and DIYers who need a 25-inch reach and a 3 lb pull magnet, though it lacks a pocket clip for carry.
Best Budget: 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 light-duty retrieval of tiny screws and washers, with the longest telescoping reach at 25-9/16 inches and a pocket clip for carry.
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