Abstract: A magnetic pickup tool includes an elongated, flexible, tubular, conductive shaft connected to a handle at one end and to an electromagnet at the other end. The handle is an electrically conductive tube housing batteries and a push-button switch for connecting one battery terminal to the housing, the other battery terminal being connected to an insulated conductor which runs through the shaft for connection to one terminal of the electromagnet, which is provided with telescoping inner and outer pole pieces. A first tubular metal coupler electrically connects the handle to the shaft. A second metal tubular coupler has a diametrically slotted end which is received telescopically between the electromagnet pole pieces in contact with each, the electromagnet coil terminals being accommodated in the slot, the other end of the connector telescopically receiving the adjacent end of the shaft in contact therewith.