Many home toy crane machine owners experience the same frustrating issue: the claw fails to grip prizes properly or consistently. This common problem typically stems from misalignment between the claw and the prize pile below. When the crane's dropping mechanism becomes slightly off-calibration, the claws may not close at the right moment or with sufficient pressure to secure prizes effectively. This alignment issue can develop over time as machines experience regular use or if they've been moved or bumped. The good news is that this problem often has simple solutions. First, check if your machine has calibration settings in its menu system - many modern home versions allow you to adjust claw strength and timing. Second, ensure the machine sits completely level on your floor, as even a slight tilt can affect performance. Third, examine the claw itself for wear and tear - sometimes replacing worn padding or adjusting the tension springs can dramatically improve grip. Finally, consider your prize arrangement; evenly distributed, lightweight items typically work better than heavily stacked or unevenly distributed prizes. With these adjustments, most home crane machines can return to their prize-grabbing glory.