pic: Magnetic Grappling Hook

[Pretzel]

I have one thing to note about using magnets, and it has to do with paying attention in the pits.

Team 1619 last year used strong magnets (I believe that we used two 75 pound magnets) to hold our canburglar in place for the rest of the match after their initial use. As one of the people who was always in the pit moving around the robot, I lost count of the number of times my driver button or a small team pin attached to my shirt became affixed to the magnet and either tore my shirt or forced me to manually detach the button/pin to prevent my shirt from tearing. We also had to be careful with electronic devices. If we used a phone for a flashlight you had to be careful not to set it near those corners of the robot (the magnets were positioned on the top of our robot's "roll cage", a generally ideal location for an overhead light to be placed). Tools and nuts/bolts also became attached to the magnets when they were passed over or near the magnets.

If you decide to continue to use the magnets, I would recommend you have the claw stored someplace in the robot that is somewhat out of the way of other items in order to minimize these inconveniences. Our magnets were positioned at perfect pin/button height (right above your belly button) on an outside corner of our robot, which made for a hassle at times in the pits.

Not a huge thing, but something to consider when using strong magnets on your robot. Make sure everyone who works on the robot understands that they are there and how large their area of influence is so that they can prevent accidents and inconveniences.