Spring-loaded
pick-up tool

This is a handy tool, but how many of us would keep it in the office? Does the function of this tool vary so differently between the garage and the office as to render it useless? I think not. I dropped my keys behind a filing cabinet the other day and this tool was very useful.

The model I show (at right, top) is a Great Neck (I believe, the name is not printed anywhere on the tool). It has comfortable grips for an average person's fingers. A slight drawback is that the shape of the pick-up "claws" isn't very aggressive and the claws retracted before they completely shut, so I had a slight problem picking up the set of keys from the ring. With a little "rethinking" of the problem vis a vis the capabilities/limitations of the tool, I managed to finally lift the set by grabbing a key rather than the ring.

The tool I like for "positive gripping" (working with small pieces) is the Sears Craftsman model (also shown). The human/tool interface is more industrial, having no plastic cushioning, but it is much more precisely built. The handle proudly proclaims "MADE IN U.S.A." I don't see the place of origin for the other written anywhere on the tool. China? New York? It's nice to know where your tool is from.

So, you need to pick up the paperclips you spilled in the office? This is the tool to do it. . .one at a time.

You can find this tool in any hardware store or automotive section of the local "K-Mart." Fab 7 Designs has its own design for this tool. If you'd like the specs on ours, send us an e-mail at business@fab7.com.