The 10 Best Grappling Hooks
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in January of 2018. If you’re a rock climber or a tree climber, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with grappling hooks. These multipurpose tools also come in handy for yanking down tree limbs, gaining traction on icy surfaces, anchoring your fishing boat, or hauling items out of a body of water. It is important though, that you always follow the manufacturer's recommended guidelines for usage and weight ratings. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Ruipoo Folding
2. GearOZ Multifunctional
3. Lixada Survival GR40C
Editor's Notes
February 12, 2021:
We are always happy to see that our previous recommendations are standing the test of time and continue to be the best options currently available, which is exactly what we found we revisiting this list for our current update. In fact, when used for their intended applications and within their recommended guidelines, all of our previous selections are still performing reliably, so we didn't remove any of them. However, we did identify a few other good options to add.
The Fury Martial Arts FP03400 is a new inclusion that we like for its non-reflective back finish, slightly rounded tips that can make for safer use, and ability to be unscrewed for storage. Another new addition is the Titaner Titanium, which is a small and easily carried grapnel that doubles as a waterproof container. And, finally, we also added the US Stainless Store 316 as an ideal choice for marine use, since it is made from corrosion-resistant steel and comes in a variety of sizes.
October 19, 2019:
While many of us may have images of ninjas scaling vertical obstacles when we think of grappling hooks, they are actual versatile tools that have a wide range of use. For example, they can be used to dredge riverbeds, pull a branch or frisbee out of a tree, or retrieve lost items from pits and crevices. With this in mind, we wanted to make sure we included a variety of models to ensure there was one suited to every need. Before getting into which are some of our favorite options and why, we want to point out that you should always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use of these items. That means not using one to suspend your body weight unless it is specifically stated as being suitable for climbing, no matter how much capacity a particular model has.
This round of updates saw a lot of new models being added, and a lot of old ones being removed. For example, the Reitu Outdoor was replaced with the Cyfie 3-Claw. Both of these have three arms, but the latter has significantly more buyer reviews for us to base our decision on. We also replaced the TI-EDC Gear with the Ruipoo Folding, since the latter has nearly 150-percent more weight capacity than the former, as well as a saw tooth design that gives it a better grip on most material.
If you primary use for a grappling hook is retrieving items and you want something small and very portable, we recommend you take a look at the GearOZ Multifunctional, which is both a grapnel and gravity hook, or the TEC Retreev Mini, which has removable tines that can be stored inside the main unit.
Special Honors
Capewell Retractable Made by a soldier for tactical use, the Capewell Retractable has a smart, streamlined design, yet is ready to handle all your tactical entry needs. It can support the weight of six large men, is crafted in the United States, and has a large rope-attachment loop. botach.com
Rapid Assault Folding Grappling Hook Capable of holding 1,650 pounds, there are few things this folding claw can't support. It has a three-tine design and a military-spec, black anodized coating that won't reflect light and give away your position. When its arms are collapsed, it is just four inches wide, making for easy stowage. ratools.com
4. TEC Retreev Mini
5. Cyfie 3-Claw
6. Fury Martial Arts FP03400
7. US Stainless Store 316
8. Titaner Titanium
9. Maomao Gravity Hook
10. Cyfie Grapnel
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.