Triclaw Apple Picker

thingiverse

It's time for another apple harvest, and with your tree finally bearing fruit, you don't want to risk damaging the apples or hurting yourself by reaching too high. To solve this problem, create a four-bar linkage claw that attaches to a standard broom handle. This design features a sliding collar driven closed by a cord, allowing you to easily pick apples without the need for a stepladder. For simplicity, the cord is knotted onto a sliding collar further down the pole, making it easy to operate. If desired, you can later replace the cord with a squeeze-grip lever. To construct this handy tool, gather a broom handle, compression spring, and 19 dowel pins or pivot rods. Carefully assemble the parts according to the provided instructions, ensuring smooth movement of the claw's components. Once complete, attach the claw to your broom handle and go apple picking. Remember to twist, not pull, the apples off the tree for optimal results. For best performance, consider using silicone surgical tubing or professional-grade uncured rubber electrical tape on the fingers of the claw. This will provide a better grip on the apples without causing damage. Enjoy your hassle-free apple picking experience!