Collapsible Trash Tongs, pick up and retrieval tool

This tool is based on my favorite trash pick up tool that is basically just an extra long set of tongs. It does well at picking up a variety of item sizes.

To try to maximize strength and rigidity this is not a print in place model. Print in the orientation shown in the image. The long pieces are 12" long which means it wont fit on small printers, but all the pieces for a full set can be printed on one XL build plate. Although I might suggest doing half and two different runs on your first print to make sure the parts work together and you don't have any print issues. I rounded the corners of the long pieces to try to minimize the chance of them lifting off the build plate, but it's probably still a good idea to add a brim because there is a strong warping force. I used a 5 mm brim. I used 6 perimeters to make sure the flex piece of the link is solid, and the base needs to be sturdy to support the forces from the link as well. Designed and tested for PETG but may work in other materials. Print 2 of every part except the guide, only one of those is needed. 

Tolerances are purposefully pretty tight because this would not work well with a lot of wobble. On my printer it fits together fine without modification, but you could file or sand to fine tune the fit if you are having issues..

Assemble the three collapsible pieces first. and then add the tip. The tip is not easily removed so I would probably considered it permanently installed without a destructive removal. There is a notch to lock the pieces in place at full extension. If you pull too hard or aggressively on extension you can go past the notch or completely separate the pieces. They can be reinstalled from the ‘wrong’ way if this happens.

Add the links to the back and pin it in place with the pin. You can glue this if you want extra security, but on mine friction seems sufficient. The guide slides onto the middle piece and can be positioned anywhere on the piece at full extension. It can be installed or uninstalled after the tips are in place. The purpose of the guide is to stop a twisting action of the tongs that makes it hard to pick up items.  It can still happen but it is much more controllable. If you are having issues with the tips lining up try to pay attention to how you are squeezing and observe how squeezing in different directions causes the tip to move (the guide acts a bit like a pivot and reverses the expected tip movement).