Abstract: A device for extracting or pulling weeds or the like from the ground is described. The device comprises an elongated stem including an inner shaft located within a hollow outer shaft, an operating means at the upper end of the stem and a pair of cooperating opposed scooping blades at the lower end of the stem. Each of the upper portions of the blades is pivotally connected via a linkage mechanism to the inner shaft and each of the center portions of the blades is pivotally connected to the outer shaft. Spring means maintains, in cooperation with the inner shaft, the lower portions of the blades in a spaced apart open position. In order to grip a root, the blades are brought into the closed position by effecting via the operating means movement of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft against the biasing force of the spring.