NEIKO 20736A (6) Piece Set, Magnetic Tool & Telescoping Mirror Set, Adjustable Telescoping Magnetic Pickup Tool, Flashlight 15lb Retriever Tool, 360 Swivel, Magnet Mirror, Magnetic Tools for Mechanic

Why I added this kit to my everyday lineup

Every shop I work in accumulates dropped fasteners like socks disappear in a dryer. Bolts vanish behind timing covers, clips ricochet under benches, and a simple visual check often isn’t enough to confirm what’s really going on behind an engine block or inside a cabinet. That’s where the Neiko kit earns its space in my drawer. It’s not a single “hero” tool; it’s a compact set of problem-solvers that turns guesswork into certainty and makes retrieval far less frustrating.

What’s in the kit—and what each piece is actually good for

The set includes:
- A 15 lb telescoping magnetic pickup tool
- A lighter 1 lb telescoping magnetic pickup tool
- A slim telescoping rod with a 360-degree swivel head
- A round inspection mirror
- A square inspection mirror with LEDs
- A compact 3-in-1 screwdriver
- A standalone LED flashlight

In practice, I reach for the 15 lb magnet when fasteners drop into frame rails, fender gaps, or deep engine cavities. It’s got enough pull for larger nuts, sockets, and the occasional small wrench, provided you’ve got direct contact. The 1 lb magnet is what I use when I’m working around electronics or delicate assemblies; it’s smaller, easier to maneuver, and less likely to yank something you didn’t mean to move.

The mirrors are the make-or-break items in any inspection set. The round mirror is nimble in tight quarters, while the square LED mirror is brilliant for confirming part numbers in dark recesses or checking for fluid seepage along seams. The 360-degree swivel head lets you set an angle and approach from odd positions—handy when you’re peering around exhaust routing or under a dash.

The 3-in-1 screwdriver and LED flashlight are “nice to have” add-ons. The screwdriver isn’t replacing any of my main drivers, but it’s been handy for quick panel pulls and battery covers. The flashlight is bright enough for close-in work, especially when you set up the mirror and just need a little fill light rather than a full-on work lamp.

Build quality and ergonomics

The shafts on the pickup tools extend smoothly and hold their position without sagging when angled. You’ll feel a little wobble at full extension—as with any telescoping rod—but not enough to make the tools fussy or imprecise in normal use. The knurled grips are basic but functional, and the pocket clips are sturdy enough to hold on without bending after a few uses.

Magnet faces are well-sized for what they do. On the 15 lb tool, the magnet is strong and relatively broad; it will happily snap onto a frame or toolbox, so watch your knuckles. The 1 lb magnet is much smaller and excellent for threading into wiring looms and HVAC plenums where you can’t afford collateral contact.

The mirrors are glass, with decent clarity and reflectivity. The articulating joints have enough friction to hold an angle; I only needed to snug a collar once after a few weeks of use. The LED mirror’s switch is tactile and easy to operate with gloves. I would’ve liked a slightly more generous bevel or edge guard on the mirrors to reduce the chance of scratching surfaces, but with careful handling it’s a non-issue.

Performance in real-world tasks

• Automotive: The 15 lb magnet rescued a 10 mm socket from an undertray gap I couldn’t reach by hand and pulled a steel shim out of a bellhousing opening. The round mirror is excellent for confirming brake pad wear indicators without pulling wheels on some platforms, and the LED mirror helped me locate a slow oil weep along a cam cover seam by catching the sheen at an angle.

• Appliances and HVAC: Behind stoves and washers, the 1 lb magnet is ideal. It’s slim enough to slip between the appliance and wall and fish out screws and machine bits without dragging the whole appliance out. The slim swiveling rod plus LED mirror is effective for checking connections in crawl spaces where you’d rather not go headfirst.

• Shop floor and bench work: The magnets will pick up screws, nails, and small blade fragments from concrete or under shelving, but these are not floor sweepers. They’re spot-retrieval tools. For precision, they’re excellent; for volume cleanup, they’re not the right class of tool.

A quick reality check on magnetic ratings: “15 lb” refers to ideal pull in direct, flush contact on clean, flat steel. In the real world, practical lifting capacity is lower—especially through paint, rust, or at an angle. That said, this magnet is more than strong enough for the typical workshop fasteners and small tools you’ll reach for it to retrieve.

Also, a reminder that magnets won’t pick up non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, most stainless fasteners). If you deal with mixed hardware, the mirrors become even more valuable.

Lighting: useful but not a headlamp replacement

The included flashlight and the LED mirror are tuned for close-range illumination. In tight engine bays, that’s exactly what you need: enough light to carve shadows and reveal edges. Don’t expect area lighting. I often pair the mirror with a headlamp and use the onboard LEDs to eliminate glare or fill from a different angle. It’s a simple combination that pays off when you’re tracing a leak path or confirming a connector clip is fully seated.

Durability and maintenance

Telescoping rods eventually loosen at the joints. A quick wipe-down and a touch of light oil after dusty jobs keeps the sections smooth without becoming slick. Magnets benefit from a blast of compressed air to clear filings that can accumulate at the edges and reduce the effective stick. The mirror pivots may need a quarter-turn snug after a few weeks of heavy use, which is normal for this style of joint.

I’ve bounced the magnets off cast iron and mild steel more times than I care to admit. The faces still sit flat and don’t appear to chip under normal use. Keep the mirrors in a drawer slot or sleeve and they’ll stay scratch-free; they’re durable, but glass is glass.

What could be better

• I’d love a simple roll-up pouch. A kit like this begs for a dedicated home so the mirror heads don’t rub against the magnets.
• The LED mirror would benefit from a slightly broader diffusion; it’s bright but a bit spotty. Not a dealbreaker, just a refinement.
• A slightly longer reach on the swivel rod would unlock a few more under-dash and behind-appliance scenarios. The pickup tools reach close to three feet, which is great; matching that on the mirror rod would be even better.

Who this kit is for

• DIYers and mechanics who routinely drop or chase fasteners in tight places
• HVAC and appliance techs who need quick visual confirmation without disassembly
• Woodworkers and metalworkers who want a fast way to fish screws and small parts out of machinery or shop nooks

If you’re looking to clear a construction site or sweep a lawn after roofing work, this isn’t that tool class. You’ll want a rolling magnetic sweeper. This set specializes in retrieval and inspection, not bulk cleanup.

Tips to get the most out of it

• Use the mirror and magnet together: angle the mirror so you can see the fastener, then slide the magnet in on a parallel plane. You’ll waste less time “fishing blind.”
• For stubborn pieces, seat the magnet, then slide rather than lift—this reduces the chance of dislodging the target in tight spaces.
• Keep a small rag or painter’s tape handy to clean filings from the magnet face between pulls.
• When working near live electronics, stick to the 1 lb magnet and be mindful of sensors or magnetic storage media.

The bottom line

The Neiko kit earns its keep by saving time and preventing minor mishaps from becoming major disassemblies. The magnets are genuinely useful—strong enough to trust yet controllable—and the inspection mirrors strike a good balance of size, articulation, and visibility. The lighting is thoughtful for close work, and the included screwdriver is a convenience rather than a centerpiece.

It isn’t perfect. I’d like a pouch, a slightly more diffuse LED on the mirror, and a touch more reach on the swiveling rod. But those are refinements on a kit that already does its core job well. For anyone who spends time under a hood, behind appliances, or inside cabinets, this set punches above its size and cost.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit. It’s a practical, affordable bundle that covers the two most common headaches in tight spaces—seeing clearly and grabbing precisely. If you need inspection and retrieval tools that work reliably without fuss, this set is easy to justify and even easier to use.