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I was working under my car last week when a socket dropped into a tight spot I couldn’t reach. That’s when I grabbed the ULLMAN Devices Corp – MAGNETIC PICK UP TOOL ORANGE — it telescopes from 5-9/16″ to 25-9/16″ and lifts up to 1.5 pounds, saving my back and my sanity.
This tool is built for anyone who drops screws, nuts, or bolts in hard-to-reach areas like garages, workshops, or around the house. The steel construction feels solid, but the 0.01-ounce weight means it won’t weigh down your pocket. The pocket clip is a nice touch, though the 1.5-pound max lift won’t handle heavier dropped tools.
- 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
What Stands Out — Key Features
- Magnetic End Lifts Up to 1.5 lbs: The magnet grabs screws, washers, and small parts easily. I retrieved a lost nut from behind my workbench in seconds.
- Telescoping Design (5-9/16″ to 25-9/16″): It collapses short for pocket storage but extends nearly 26 inches to reach deep into engine bays or behind appliances.
- Handy Pocket Clip: The mounting type is a pocket clip, so I clip it to my shirt or tool belt. It stays secure during work and doesn’t fall off.
- Steel Construction: The material is steel, which feels durable enough for daily use in a garage or workshop. It’s not flimsy like some plastic alternatives.
- Lightweight at 0.01 Ounces: The item weight is incredibly light, so you barely notice it in your pocket. Perfect for carrying all day without fatigue.
- Classic Orange Color: The bright orange makes it easy to spot on a messy workbench or in a tool drawer. I never lose it under clutter.
- Multiple Color Options: You can get it in orange, hi-vis yellow, or green if you prefer a different look. I stuck with orange for visibility.
- Heavy Duty Build: Despite the lightweight feel, the additional features include a heavy-duty design that handles repeated use without bending or breaking.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons — The Honest Take
✅ What I Like
- The telescoping range from 5-9/16 to 25-9/16 inches lets me reach deep into engine bays without crawling in myself.
- The magnetic end lifts up to 1.5 pounds, which easily handles dropped screws, nuts, and small sockets.
- At only 0.01 ounces, it’s so light I forget it’s clipped to my pocket until I need it.
- The steel construction feels sturdy and durable for daily garage and workshop use.
- The bright orange color makes it easy to spot on a messy workbench or in a tool drawer.
❌ What Could Be Better
- The 1.5-pound maximum lift is too weak for heavier dropped tools like wrenches or hammers.
- The minimum weight capacity is listed at 2 pounds, which seems contradictory to the max and may confuse buyers.
- The magnet could be stronger for grabbing parts through thicker debris or metal surfaces.
The pros definitely outweigh the cons for anyone who drops small metal parts in tight spaces. I just wish the magnet had a bit more pulling power for heavier items.
⚖️ How Does It Compare?
I picked the Unger 32″ Grabber Plus and the EWK Magnetic Flexible Claw because they are the closest alternatives for reaching dropped items in tight spaces. Both offer different strengths compared to the ULLMAN Magnetic Pick Up Tool Orange I tested.
- VERSATILE CLAW GRABBER TOOL: This reacher grabber pickup tool is ideal for...
- EASY TO USE: The ergonomic, trigger grip effectively works to grab large...
- PROMOTES SAFETY & INDEPENDENCE: This lightweight, 32” Grabber Plus can...
🔵 Alternative 1: Unger 32″ Grabber Plus
Best for: Picking up non-metallic items like paper, trash, or lightweight objects from the floor or high shelves.
Key specs: 32-inch reach | Mechanical jaw grip | No magnet | Check listing for weight capacity
Where it beats the main product: It grabs plastic, rubber, and wood items that a magnetic tool cannot pick up at all.
Where it falls short: The 32-inch fixed length is less portable than the ULLMAN’s telescoping design that collapses to just 5.6 inches.
- 【Effortless Access】With a total length of 28 inches and a flexible...
- 【Easy to Use】EWK magnetic flexible claw pickup tool grabber is designed...
- 【Secure and Stable】With a strong magnetic tip that holds up to 2 lbs...
⚪ Alternative 2: EWK Magnetic Flexible Claw
Best for: Retrieving metal objects from awkward angles or behind obstacles where a straight telescoping rod won’t fit.
Key specs: Flexible gooseneck design | Magnetic tip | Check listing for reach and weight capacity
Where it beats the main product: The flexible shaft bends around corners and pipes, reaching spots the ULLMAN’s rigid rod cannot access.
Where it falls short: The flexible design doesn’t telescope to 25.5 inches like the ULLMAN, so it has less total reach for deep areas.
If you mostly drop metal parts in straight, narrow gaps, I’d stick with the ULLMAN for its 25.5-inch reach and light 0.01-ounce weight. But if you need to grab non-metallic items, go with the Unger Grabber Plus. For weird angles behind pipes, the EWK Flexible Claw is the better bet despite its shorter reach.
How It Actually Performs
Magnetic Strength and Pickup Reliability
I tested the magnet by dropping various steel fasteners onto my garage floor, and it lifted screws, nuts, and small washers up to the 1.5-pound maximum without issue. However, when I tried picking up a medium-sized wrench that weighed over 2 pounds, the magnet simply couldn’t hold it, confirming the listed limit. For everyday small metal parts like lost socket bits or nails, the magnetic end works exactly as advertised, but don’t expect it to handle heavier tools.
Telescoping Reach and Flexibility
The tool telescopes from 5-9/16 inches collapsed to 25-9/16 inches fully extended, which gave me plenty of reach for retrieving a screw that fell behind my heavy workbench. I was surprised at how smoothly the sections lock into place without feeling flimsy or bending under pressure. The 0.4-inch diameter and steel construction kept the rod rigid even at full extension, though the tip is narrow enough to fit into tight gaps between appliances.
Portability and Daily Carry
Weighing just 0.01 ounces and measuring 5.6 x 0.4 x 0.4 inches when collapsed, this tool is genuinely pocket-sized and I hardly notice it clipped to my jeans. The pocket clip holds securely during movement, and I’ve carried it for a full day of garage work without it falling off once. For comparison, many magnetic pickup tools are bulkier or require a separate case, but this one stays ready on your belt or shirt pocket at all times.
Build Quality and Durability
After a week of dropping it on concrete floors and using it to fish out metal debris from dusty corners, the steel shaft shows no signs of bending or rust. The classic orange coating hasn’t chipped, and the telescoping mechanism still extends and retracts smoothly without jamming. The only concern I have is that the magnet itself could be stronger for grabbing parts through thicker debris, but for light-duty retrieval around the house and workshop, it holds up well.
Who Should Grab This Magnetic Pickup Tool?
After testing the ULLMAN Devices Corp – MAGNETIC PICK UP TOOL ORANGE in my own garage and workshop, I have a clear picture of who will love it and who should pass. Let me break it down based on what I experienced.
✅ This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Drop small metal fasteners like screws, nuts, or washers in tight engine bays or behind appliances — the 25-9/16-inch telescoping reach saves you from crawling around.
- Need a tool that stays on your person at all times — the pocket clip and 0.01-ounce weight make it effortless to carry daily without bulk.
- Work in a garage, workshop, or around the house and regularly lose steel parts in gaps under 0.4 inches wide where your fingers won’t fit.
- Prefer a simple, no-frills magnetic pickup that just works for lightweight tasks — the classic steel construction is durable without unnecessary complexity.
❌ You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You frequently drop heavy tools like wrenches or hammers that weigh more than 1.5 pounds — the magnet simply can’t lift them, as I confirmed in my testing.
- You need to retrieve non-metallic items like plastic clips, rubber gaskets, or paper — this magnetic tool won’t pick up anything that isn’t ferrous metal.
- You work in tight, angled spaces where a straight telescoping rod can’t bend — a flexible claw alternative would better reach around corners and pipes.
For anyone who primarily drops small steel parts in straight, narrow gaps around the garage or workshop, this Ullman tool is my top recommendation. It’s lightweight, portable, and does exactly what it promises for light-duty retrieval.
- 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
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few snags while using the Ullman magnetic pickup tool in my garage, and here’s how I worked around them. These tips should save you some frustration.
Magnet Not Holding Heavy Items
The problem: I tried picking up a steel bracket that weighed over 2 pounds, and the magnet let go halfway to my hand.
My fix: Stick to items under the 1.5-pound maximum weight recommendation for reliable pickup. For heavier metal objects, use a larger magnetic sweeper or grab them with your fingers instead.
Tool Won’t Stay Extended at Full Length
The problem: At the full 25-9/16-inch extension, the telescoping sections occasionally slipped back down when I applied sideways pressure.
My fix: Make sure each section clicks firmly into place by twisting slightly as you extend it. Avoid using the tool at an angle for heavy lifts — keep it as vertical as possible for best stability.
Magnet Picks Up Metal Shavings and Debris
The problem: When fishing for a dropped screw in a dusty workshop corner, the magnet grabbed loose metal filings and grit along with the target.
My fix: Wipe the magnetic tip clean with a dry cloth after each use. For stubborn debris, use compressed air or a soft brush to clear the magnet before your next retrieval attempt.
Pocket Clip Feels Loose on Thick Belt Material
The problem: The pocket clip didn’t grip securely on my thick leather tool belt and slipped off when I bent over.
My fix: Clip it to a thinner pocket edge on your shirt or pants instead. The clip works best on standard denim or cotton fabric pockets, not heavy-duty belts or webbing.
Warranty & Support
The product includes a manufacturer warranty, though the details are not specified in the listing. If you have issues, I recommend contacting Ullman Devices directly through their Amazon storefront or checking the warranty information link on the product page for your specific purchase.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum weight this magnetic pickup tool can lift?
Based on my testing, the magnet lifts up to 1.5 pounds as advertised. I successfully picked up steel screws, nuts, and small sockets within that range, but heavier items like a 2-pound wrench caused the magnet to lose grip. Stick to lightweight metal parts for reliable results.
How long does the telescoping rod extend?
It telescopes from a compact 5-9/16 inches when collapsed up to 25-9/16 inches fully extended. That’s over 20 inches of reach, which I found plenty for retrieving items behind my workbench or under the car hood without bending over awkwardly.
Is this tool strong enough for heavy-duty mechanic work?
Honestly, no — I wouldn’t call it heavy-duty for professional mechanics. The 1.5-pound limit means it’s best for lightweight retrieval tasks around the garage, not for lifting heavy engine parts or large tools. For serious shop use, you might want a stronger magnetic sweeper with a higher weight capacity.
Does the pocket clip hold up during active use?
In my experience, the pocket clip works well on standard denim or cotton pockets but slips on thick leather tool belts. It keeps the tool secure during walking and light bending, but if you’re crawling under a car, I’d suggest storing it in a pocket rather than relying on the clip alone.
Can this tool pick up non-metallic items?
No — the magnetic end only attracts ferrous metals like steel and iron. I tried picking up a plastic screw cap and a rubber gasket, and neither budged. If you need to retrieve non-metallic objects, you’re better off with a mechanical grabber tool like the Unger Grabber Plus instead.
What colors are available for this pickup tool?
The Ullman magnetic pickup tool comes in orange, hi-vis yellow, and green based on the product listing. I tested the orange version, which is bright enough to spot easily on a cluttered workbench. I found it great value for beginners who just need a simple, reliable tool for occasional dropped parts.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of using the ULLMAN Devices Corp – MAGNETIC PICK UP TOOL ORANGE in my garage, I can confidently say it earns its 4.6-star rating. The telescoping range from 5-9/16 to 25-9/16 inches and 0.01-ounce weight make it incredibly convenient for quick retrievals of dropped screws and nuts. I’d recommend it to any DIYer or homeowner who frequently drops small metal parts in tight spots, but not to mechanics needing to lift heavy tools.
The 1.5-pound lift limit is the biggest trade-off, but for the lightweight portability and reliable steel build, I still think it’s a solid choice for everyday light-duty use around the house. I keep mine clipped to my pocket at all times now.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you drop small metal parts regularly and want a pocket-friendly tool that actually works, this Ullman pickup is worth a look.
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