Choosing between two separation tools for your workshop starts with knowing exactly what you're separating. If you're dealing with loose metal shavings, fasteners, and other magnetic debris on a workbench or garage floor, a handheld magnetic pickup tool can save you time. If you're running machine tools and need to extend the life of your cutting fluid by removing floating oil, an oil water separator is the heavy-duty answer. These are two very different separation jobs, and the price difference reflects that. The magnetic pickup tool comes as a 2-pack with an 8-lb lifting capacity, while the oil water separator is built for machine tool coolant systems. Here's how to decide which one belongs in your shop.
Quick verdict
For quick, portable cleanup of ferrous metal bits, the 2 Pack Magnetic Separator Pick Up Tool is a low-priced, practical pick. For a machine shop that relies on cutting fluid, the 208-240V Machine Tools Industrial Oil Water Separator 3PH Cutting Fluid Skimmer is a serious investment that helps protect coolant quality and tool performance. The right choice comes down to whether you're separating metal debris or fluid contamination.
At a glance
| Feature | Magnetic Separator Pick Up Tool | Oil Water Separator 3PH Skimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24.42 | $1,703.84 |
| Price bar | ||
| Separation type | Magnetic metal debris | Oil from cutting fluid |
| Power required | None | 208-240V, 3-phase |
| Best for | Quick cleanup in garage or shop | Maintaining coolant in machine tools |
Where each product stands out
Magnetic Separator Pick Up Tool stands out for its low cost, compact size, and the convenience of a 2-pack. The rubberized quick release handle lets you drop collected metal into a bin without touching the debris. Each tool can pick up 8 lbs of magnetic material, so you can cover a good amount of bench or floor space before needing to release the load. It's ideal for home garages, small fab shops, and cleanups after drilling or cutting metal.
Oil Water Separator 3PH Skimmer stands out for its ability to separate oil from cutting fluid, extending fluid life and helping maintain tool performance. It is designed for continuous use in an industrial setting, with an oil drainage route that recovers separated oil and a cleaning valve that removes sludge from the bottom of the tank. This is the kind of equipment that keeps coolant systems operating efficiently over long production runs.
Product notes
2 Pack Magnetic Separator Pick Up Tool
This set includes two handheld separators from ASR Outdoor, each with a rubberized quick release handle and a stainless steel body. The tool grabs up to 8 lbs of magnetic metal, making it a fast way to pick up fasteners, drill shavings, and other ferrous debris from a bench or floor. It's compact enough to fit in a garage drawer. The main limitation is that it only pulls magnetic materials, so it won't help with oil, coolant, or non-ferrous metals. If you need to quickly clear a work area of loose metal bits, this is the simpler, affordable choice.
208-240V Machine Tools Industrial Oil Water Separator 3PH Cutting Fluid Skimmer
This PreAsion separator is built for machine tools running on three-phase power. It removes floating oil from cutting fluid, which helps the coolant stay usable longer and supports consistent machining precision. It also has an oil drainage route for recovering separated oil and a cleaning valve to clear sludge from the tank. The limitations are the high price and the need for a three-phase electrical system, so it only makes sense for industrial or advanced machine shops. If you need to keep coolant clean instead of picking up floor debris, this is the specialized answer.
Final choice by use case
If your separation need is about metal debris on the floor or workbench, choose the Magnetic Separator Pick Up Tool. It's affordable, portable, and ready to use with no power hookup.
If your separation need is about keeping cutting fluid clean in a machine tool environment, choose the Oil Water Separator. The higher investment brings oil recovery, sludge removal, and longer coolant life.
