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I had zero need for a grappling hook. I just wanted one. Here’s what you actually get and what it’s good for.
I kept running across these high-performance grappling hooks, especially on Amazon. Why buy one? Because I can. I paid about $19. The exact one from my video isn’t available now, so the button goes to a current stainless steel gravity claw grappling hook with a carabiner. Here’s how it works and how I figured out the assembly on camera.
- Solid, well-cut metal with smooth edges
- Gravity claw grabs things when lowered
- Converts to a 3-claw grappling hook
- Comes with everything you need except rope
- Lots of outdoor uses
- Heavy for backpacking
- No instructions on how the O-rings are used
- You need strong rope or paracord
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
What’s in the box
You get the main tool, a Batarang-looking piece that adds the other two claws to make a true grappling hook, two silicone O-rings, and a carabiner with what I think is a magnet. I didn’t know what half of it was for at first.
How the gravity claw works
Hang it from a rope and lower it, and it opens up. When you pull up, the jaws close on whatever’s there, kind of like those arcade claw games. The two rounded edges push it open under pressure, and the weight of everything folds it back closed.
That could be useful if you drop something down a ravine or into a crack on a backpacking trip where you can’t climb down.
Assembling the grappling hook
The claw plate slides in and locks into the holes, and then you need to keep the claw shut so the plate doesn’t fall out. I’m guessing that’s what the O-rings are for. I slid both over the end, and you could use a zip tie instead.
Once it’s assembled, all three hooks sit at about the same point. When you’re pulling on it, the load keeps it closed anyway.
Build quality
It’s pretty robust metal. I bet even my big butt could hang from it without bending it, though it’s not quarter-inch steel plate. The cuts are precise and the edges are sharp but not uncomfortable to touch, with screws and self-locking nuts.
You’ll need paracord or climbing rope. Twine or cotton string would give out long before the hook does.
What could you use it for?
- Lowering it to grab something you dropped out of reach.
- Stringing a rope across a river to help people cross or zipline packs over.
- Throwing it over a tree branch or cross line to hang a bear bag.
- Clipping the magnet carabiner to hold something in place.
It’s heavy for a backpacking trip, though. You’ll have to decide whether you have a $20 need for it.
FAQ
How does a gravity grappling hook work?
Lower it and it opens; pull up and the weight closes the jaws on whatever is there.
Does it come with rope?
No. You’ll need strong paracord or climbing rope.
What are the O-rings for?
My best guess is to hold the claw closed when it’s assembled as a 3-claw hook.
How heavy is it?
Pretty heavy. I’d guess about a pound.
How much does it cost?
I paid about $19.
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