Adjusting the settings on a toy crane machine, often called a claw machine or prize grabber, is key to controlling its difficulty. Typically, these adjustments are made internally by the operator, not the player. To make the machine easier, operators can increase the claw's grip strength, lengthen the time the claw remains closed, or adjust the claw's alignment for better centering over prizes. They might also loosen the prize pile or use lighter, less tangled items. Conversely, to make it harder, they can reduce grip strength to a "slip grip," shorten the hold time, offset the claw's alignment, tightly pack heavier prizes, or use items with awkward shapes. Some modern machines have programmable difficulty cycles that automatically switch between easy and hard modes to regulate payout rates. For players, understanding that these internal settings exist explains the variance in challenge. While you cannot change the settings yourself, observing machine patterns, testing claw strength with cheap prizes, and choosing well-stocked machines can improve your odds. Always remember, these games are designed for entertainment, with settings calibrated to meet specific profitability goals for the arcade.