Electric Grabber

A reach extending grabber that has been modified to open and close electrically with a the push of a button.

Count - Part - Link

1 - Grabber - https://a.co/d/fS1dl6e

3 - Micro Switches - https://a.co/d/4kie0tq

1 - Actuator - https://a.co/d/cBKEXj9

1 - Headphone Extender - https://a.co/d/bHj2Bh4

2 - Battery Prongs - Prongs

1 - 12v Milwaukee Style Battery and Charger - https://a.co/d/eFHZeD9

Count - Part - Link

3 - 3/48 X 1" Bolts - https://a.co/d/0oqyEgU

3 - 3/48 Nuts - https://a.co/d/h2d8aAD

3 - 8/32 x 1" Bolts - https://a.co/d/abk0ZwJ

3 - 8/32 Nuts - https://a.co/d/abk0ZwJ

12 - Screws - https://a.co/d/3Ftex60

One foot of 3/4" SDR-21 PVC pipe - Lowes

Before soldering the wires test the setup to make sure everything works correctly. This will reduce the risk of installing something incorrectly.

All of the 3D printed parts for this project were printed in PETG at 100% infill.

If desired 3D print the option wrist cuff for additional support. These parts were also printed from PETG at 100% infill.

Press the nuts into the hexagonal slots in the battery housing and test the length of the bolts by bolting the battery housing and the cap together. The bolts need to be flush with the nut to allow the battery to comfortably fit. If the bolts are too long cut them shorter.

Strip and poke wires of the headphone jack through the holes in the battery cap. Solder the battery prongs to the headphone wires. Be sure to have the positive connector on the correct side of the battery. A small drop of hot glue can be used to keep the prongs in place while attaching the battery housing to the cap.

The headphone jack allows for easier assembly and makes it easy to replace plastic parts if the plastic parts break. Be sure to use the female end on the battery side to reduce risk of shorting the battery while working.

Test fit the electronics and measure enough wire for the electronics to comfortable fit in the housing.

When soldering the switches together place to switch spacer between the two switches to give the proper spacing. The holes in the switches through which the bolt will be threaded may need to be drilled out a bit to allow the bolt to fit through the center of the switches.

The leads coming off the switches which connect to the battery are soldered to the male end of the headphone jack. This makes it so the electronics can be completely removed from the piston housing if needed. It also separates the piston housing from the battery housing so plastic parts can be easily replaced if they break.

The piston housing and the battery holder can be connected using a section of PVC pipe, this section of pipe is also the handle of the device.

Use superglue on the bottom of the right and left switch levers to keep them together. Be sure not to glue the top of the levers. After the switches are dry slide the switch levers into place. Some light sanding might be needed to insure a smooth fit.

Cut the green metal pipe of the grabber to the desired length. Inside the grabber is a piece of metal that opens and closes the jaws of the grabber when it is pulled.

Using a short length of PVC connect the green grabber pipe, the collar, and the piston housing together. Cut the center bar to length and drill a hole to connect it to the actuator. The grabber should be completely closed when the actuator is fully retracted.

If the grabber does not close all the way make the PVC section longer to tighten the grip.

The limit switch needs to be installed to prevent the actuator form over extending and breaking the grabber claw or the 3D printed housing. Slide the limit switch forward and back to find the location where the switch stopes the grabber claw from over extending. Screw the limit switch into place.

The cover has inset slots for hex nuts and holes for small screws. This cover holds everything together and strengthens the print preventing the piston housing from cracking in the weak spot where the switches are located.

Be sure to also put screws in all the connector section between the PCV pipe and the 3D printed parts, as well as the screwing the collar to the green pipe.

A wrist cuff and strap can be added for additional comfort and control.