Mantis grabber

[rupnow]

A number of folks here have recommended a "grabber tool" used by mechanics means to catch mantis shrimp. I found such a device at Sears. It is called a Flexible spring claw Pickup tool (Craftsman part # 941322) for a value price of $5.99. You can find it in the stors by the telecoping magnets used for the same purposes.

Last night's attempt to grab him with a tweezer failed and haven't found his new residence yet. Once I do, I will try tspfish's method and let you know how it works. I'm hopeful that this will work.

 

[Ikaria]

Good Luck!!

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Re: Mantis grabber

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7089623#post7089623 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rupnow
A number of folks here have recommended a "grabber tool" used by mechanics means to catch mantis shrimp. I found such a device at Sears. It is called a Flexible spring claw Pickup tool (Craftsman part # 941322) for a value price of $5.99. You can find it in the stors by the telecoping magnets used for the same purposes.

Last night's attempt to grab him with a tweezer failed and haven't found his new residence yet. Once I do, I will try tspfish's method and let you know how it works. I'm hopeful that this will work.

When you finally do unleash those vice-grip claws onto his frial little cute body, make sure you don't hurt the little guy in any way.

 

[HowardW]

Good luck with that grabber tool, but those buggers are really fast. You might try baiting one of the claws on the tool and then holding it in front of his hiding spot.....just an idea.

 

[rupnow]

Got him!!!

The "pick up tool/grabber thing" really did the trick. I took HowardW's suggestion and baited one of the claws. I'm not sure it mattered. I think the agrivation of having something moving outside his home for a while was all he needed to make a run for it.

It took what seemed to be an hour (prbably 15 minutes) of slightly moving the grabber in front of his lair. He seemed to get angrier and angrier as time went on, smashing at it with his claw. Eventuually, he gave up and tried to escape. I quickly grabbed him and put him in his new temporary home.

The only drawback of this grabber is the tension of the spring which wears on the fingers and forearm after a short time (maybe I need to start working out). Also, I didn't want to squish him since he may be worth someting in trade at the LFS.

Thanks much to "tspfish" (I hope I got that right) for the suggestion.

 

[dhebert24]

Can you post a link to this device? I tried looking online at Sears.com and didn't see it.

 

[flameangel88]

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...00941322000&subcat=Automotive+Specialty+Tools