CookieZenmilk

My quilting friends and I are going to sew once a month at a hall that is used by the community. We want to be careful about picking up all pins when we go home for the day. Is there some sort of magnetic pole out there that could do the job or maybe we could apply a piece of magnetic tape on a swiffer. Any ideas?

ILoveToQuilt

Actually, yes there is a pole magnet. Most hardware stores carry them. I have both a small round one (maybe 4" diameter) and one that is oblong and about 8" long. Both have telescoping handles. Harbor Freight carries the round one and is under $5 I believe. These magnets are used by construction workers to pick up nails. I've used them for years to pick up pins in my sewing room, as well as for picking up roofing nails from my lawn after my roof was done. They are very strong and work well.

For small, table top pick-ups, a Bingo wand works well. Just move it over the table top and your pins, etc. are picked up. Ask me how I know this works? I am forever, constantly dumping my pin box out. Just call me clumsy!

Hope you find what you are looking for.

quiltingshorttimer

If you can't find one at hardware store, check at an auto parts store, they should have them too.

bungalow59

[ATTACH=CONFIG]592495[/ATTACH]
Telescoping magnetic pick up tool
$2.99 Harbor Freight
My husband bought it for me years ago. Works great for dropped pins.

sash

Not only does it pick up my pins, also dropped small scissors, my ripper; anything that has metal on it. Great tool.

Cactus Stitchin

Ha! Ha! I actually saw some at Lowe’s this weekend. As I inspected to figure out what it was my husband said it was a ‘nail sweeper’ for use in construction areas to pick up leftover nails. If they can pick up nails it will certainly pick up pins!

DJ

How considerate to clean up after yourselves, especially to get all the pins. I might opt to use a broom, though, and then just a small magnetic pin holder to pick up metallic objects and a dust pan or vacuum for the rest. No special purchase really required.

RedGarnet222

I have one that was in a secret santa box a few years ago. It is great, love it.

nativetexan

i have a magnetic wand similar to the one above but also use my scissors to pick up pins or needles. they have become magnetized over time.

retiredteacher09

I have a 12" ruler with a magnet towards the bottom of the flat side. It works great!