Manipulator arm: Difference between revisions

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|origin = [[Skaro]]
|origin = [[Skaro]]
|made by = [[Davros]]
|made by = [[Davros]]
|first = The Daleks (TV story)
|first cs = The Daleks (TV story)
|appearances = {{appears|Dalek}}
|appearances = {{appears|Dalek}}
}}
}}
The '''manipulator arm''', '''tactile arm''' ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Davros Genesis (short story)|Davros Genesis]]'') or '''arm-stick''', ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Death to the Daleks (novelisation)|Death to the Daleks]]'') was a long, thin, mechanical arm found on nearly all [[Dalek]] [[Dalek variant|models]]. The manipulator arm was found in the right-hand socket in the Dalek [[weapons platform]], with the [[gunstick]] on its left. While most manipulator arms were topped with a [[suction cup]], numerous other designs existed. Able to be swapped out for a tool more specific to the Dalek's current needs, the manipulator arm's use varied depending on its design.
The '''manipulator arm''', '''tactile arm''' ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Davros Genesis (short story)}}) or '''arm-stick''', ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Death to the Daleks (novelisation)}}) was a long, thin, mechanical arm found on nearly all [[Dalek]] [[Dalek variant|models]]. The manipulator arm was found in the right-hand socket in the Dalek [[weapons platform]], with the [[gunstick]] on its left. While most manipulator arms were topped with a [[suction cup]], numerous other designs existed. Able to be swapped out for a tool more specific to the Dalek's current needs, the manipulator arm's use varied depending on its design.


In one instance, the manipulator was the left arm of the middle section, whilst the gunstick was the right. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Threat from Beneath (comic story)|The Threat from Beneath]]'')
In one instance, the manipulator was the left arm of the middle section, whilst the gunstick was the right. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|The Threat from Beneath (comic story)}})


== Development ==
== Development ==
Following [[Davros]]' [[Davros' prototype|early prototype]], [[Dalek One]] sported a tactile arm. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Davros Genesis (short story)|Davros Genesis]]'') In one account of the [[genesis of the Daleks]], Davros installed a [[multi-dextrous claw]] "capable of [[Annihilation|annihilating]] a [[million]] [[Thal]]s" on his [[Dalek Prime|first Dalek]]. However, this claw was broken off when [[the TARDIS]] carrying the [[Fourteenth Doctor]] collided with the Dalek. Retrieving a [[plunger]] from the TARDIS, the Doctor gave it to [[Castavillian]] to replace the claw. Discovering this modification of the [[casing]] he created, Davros decided that he liked it, ([[TV]]: {{cs|Destination: Skaro (TV story)}}) leading to what would become known as the [[suction cup]] becoming the norm. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Dalek Combat Training Manual (novel)|Dalek Combat Training Manual]]'')
Following [[Davros]]' [[Davros' prototype|early prototype]], [[Dalek One]] sported a tactile arm. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Davros Genesis (short story)}}) In one account of the [[genesis of the Daleks]], Davros installed a [[multi-dextrous claw]] "capable of [[Annihilation|annihilating]] a [[million]] [[Thal]]s" on his [[Dalek Prime|first Dalek]]. However, this claw was broken off when [[the TARDIS]] carrying the [[Fourteenth Doctor]] collided with the Dalek. Retrieving a [[plunger]] from the TARDIS, the Doctor gave it to [[Castavillian]] to replace the claw. Discovering this modification of the [[casing]] he created, Davros decided that he liked it, ([[TV]]: {{cs|Destination: Skaro (TV story)}}) leading to what would become known as the [[suction cup]] becoming the norm. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Dalek Combat Training Manual (reference book)}})


== Types ==
== Types ==
=== Plunger ===
=== Plunger ===
{{Main|Suction arm}}
{{Main|Suction arm}}
The ends of the manipulator arms typically were shaped like a [[plunger]], known as [[suction arm]]s. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)|Prisoner of the Daleks]]'') For this reason, Dalek technology often had circular controls which the Daleks could arm or disarm by rotating. The black tip at the end, which gave the arm its "plunger" shape, could alter its form to better interact with specific objects, for example, finding the combination of electronically-locked doors. ([[TV]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'')
The ends of the manipulator arms typically were shaped like a [[plunger]], known as [[suction arm]]s. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)}}) For this reason, Dalek technology often had circular controls which the Daleks could arm or disarm by rotating. The black tip at the end, which gave the arm its "plunger" shape, could alter its form to better interact with specific objects, for example, finding the combination of electronically-locked doors. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Dalek (TV story)}})


Even if the Dalek died, its arm could still operate machinery for a live person. ([[TV]]: ''[[Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)|Remembrance of the Daleks]]'') The arm also had a telescopic feature to extend its length. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Dalek Invasion of Earth (TV story)|The Dalek Invasion of Earth]]'', ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'')
Even if the Dalek died, its arm could still operate machinery for a live person. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)}}) The arm also had a telescopic feature to extend its length. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Dalek Invasion of Earth (TV story)}}, {{cs|Dalek (TV story)}})


It could also serve as a [[Dalek weaponry|weapon]]; with the tip placed over the nose and mouth, the arm could generate suction to suffocate and kill a [[human]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday]]),'' and enough traction to crush a human skull ([[TV]]: ''[[Dalek (TV story)|Dalek]]'') or rip through sheet metal. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[I Am a Dalek (novel)|I Am a Dalek]]'') The [[Tenth Doctor]] claimed to have seen one crush a brick with ease. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)|Prisoners of the Daleks]]'')
It could also serve as a [[Dalek weaponry|weapon]]; with the tip placed over the nose and mouth, the arm could generate suction to suffocate and kill a [[human]], ([[TV]]: {{cs|Doomsday (TV story)}}) and enough traction to crush a human skull ([[TV]]: {{cs|Dalek (TV story)}}) or rip through sheet metal. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|I Am a Dalek (novel)}}) The [[Tenth Doctor]] claimed to have seen one crush a brick with ease. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)}})


[[File:D10-9b-c044.jpg|thumb|left|The Cult of Skaro drain information. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday]]'')]]
[[File:D10-9b-c044.jpg|thumb|left|The Cult of Skaro drain information. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Doomsday (TV story)}})]]
iin the case of the [[Cult of Skaro]], the arm could also scan brainwaves for information or act as a quick intelligence scan. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday]]'', ''[[Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)|Daleks in Manhattan]]'') However, if a large amount of information needed to be analysed, it could be drained out by force by encasing a subject's head inside their "plunger" tips, which would stretch the victim's head and brain to wring out their knowledge through information probes. The probes were strong enough to have a deadly effect on humans, draining them so fiercely that their bodies shrivelled up and became burned out husks. ([[TV]]: ''[[Doomsday (TV story)|Doomsday]]'')
In the case of the [[Cult of Skaro]], the arm could also scan brainwaves for information or act as a quick intelligence scan. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Doomsday (TV story)}}, {{cs|Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)}}) However, if a large amount of information needed to be analysed, it could be drained out by force by encasing a subject's head inside their "plunger" tips, which would stretch the victim's head and brain to wring out their knowledge through information probes. The probes were strong enough to have a deadly effect on humans, draining them so fiercely that their bodies shrivelled up and became burned out husks. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Doomsday (TV story)}})


[[Imperial Dalek]]s had a more conical variant, with a slotted rim specifically designed to operate controls. ([[TV]]: ''[[Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)|Remembrance of the Daleks]]'')
[[Imperial Dalek]]s had a more conical variant, with a slotted rim specifically designed to operate controls. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)}})


In an alternate timeline, the [[Scientist Dalek (The Guide to the Dark Times)|Scientist Dalek]] of the [[Dalek Time Squad]] possessed a manipulator arm that closely resembled the traditional plunger seen on most Daleks, but with six [[claw]]s attached to the end. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Guide to the Dark Times (short story)|The Guide to the Dark Times]]'')
In an alternate timeline, the [[Scientist Dalek (The Guide to the Dark Times)|Scientist Dalek]] of the [[Dalek Time Squad]] possessed a manipulator arm that closely resembled the traditional plunger seen on most Daleks, but with six [[claw]]s attached to the end. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|The Guide to the Dark Times (short story)}})


=== Flamethrower ===
=== Flamethrower ===
Referred to by Daleks as [[pyro-flame]]s, these were small cylindrical pieces at the end of the arm which shot a stream of [[fire]] to clear swaths of forest. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story)|The Daleks' Master Plan]]'') The Daleks later used other [[flamethrower]]s, which they referred to as [[flame gun]]s, to melt through [[ice]] when searching for [[The Abomination (The Only Good Dalek)|"the Abomination"]]. The ends resembled the [[Progenitor]] [[New Dalek Paradigm|Daleks]]' [[Dalek eyestalk|eyestalks]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Only Good Dalek (comic story)|The Only Good Dalek]]'') Daleks in the [[First World War]] used flamethrowers to clear [[forest]]s to pursue the [[Eleventh Doctor]] and his [[companion]]s. The flames came from their arms. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'')
Referred to by Daleks as [[pyro-flame]]s, these were small cylindrical pieces at the end of the arm which shot a stream of [[fire]] to clear swaths of forest. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story)}}) The Daleks later used other [[flamethrower]]s, which they referred to as [[flame gun]]s, to melt through [[ice]] when searching for [[The Abomination (The Only Good Dalek)|"the Abomination"]]. The ends resembled the [[Progenitor]] [[New Dalek Paradigm|Daleks]]' [[Dalek eyestalk|eyestalks]]. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|The Only Good Dalek (comic story)}}) Daleks in the [[First World War]] used flamethrowers to clear [[forest]]s to pursue the [[Eleventh Doctor]] and his [[companion]]s. The flames came from their arms. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|The Dalek Project (comic story)}})


=== Seismic detector ===
=== Seismic detector ===
[[File:Seismic 2.jpg|right|thumb|A Dalek uses a seismic detector. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Chase (TV story)|The Chase]]'')]]
[[File:Seismic 2.jpg|right|thumb|A Dalek uses a seismic detector. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Chase (TV story)}})]]
A small device which looked like a [[compass]] suspended on gimbals, the [[seismic detector]] was employed to locate enemy time machines outside the vortex. It could also detect approaching life-forms or the paths of fleeing ones, even through sealed doors. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Chase (TV story)|The Chase]]'')
A small device which looked like a [[compass]] suspended on gimbals, the [[seismic detector]] was employed to locate enemy time machines outside the vortex. It could also detect approaching life-forms or the paths of fleeing ones, even through sealed doors. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Chase (TV story)}})


=== Electrode unit ===
=== Electrode unit ===
[[File:Electro-unit.jpg|left|thumb|A Dalek accesses the [[Mechanoid City]] with an Electrode unit. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Chase (TV story)|The Chase]]'')]]
[[File:Electro-unit.jpg|left|thumb|A Dalek accesses the [[Mechanoid City]] with an Electrode unit. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Chase (TV story)}})]]
The [[electrode unit]] was a device which looked like a radar dish. It could operate electronic controls remotely. It was used in this manner to enter the [[Mechanoid City]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Chase (TV story)|The Chase]]'')
The [[electrode unit]] was a device which looked like a radar dish. It could operate electronic controls remotely. It was used in this manner to enter the [[Mechanoid City]]. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Chase (TV story)}})


=== Sieve ===
=== Sieve ===
[[Dalek mutant]]s were inserted into the Dalek shell during assembly by a Dalek fitted with a [[sieve]] instead of a plunger. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Power of the Daleks (TV story)|The Power of the Daleks]]'')
[[Dalek mutant]]s were inserted into the Dalek shell during assembly by a Dalek fitted with a [[sieve]] instead of a plunger. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Power of the Daleks (TV story)}})


=== Syringe ===
=== Syringe ===
[[File:DalekSyringe.jpg|thumb|right|A syringe attachment. ([[TV]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)|Daleks in Manhattan]]'')]]
[[File:DalekSyringe.jpg|thumb|right|A syringe attachment. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)}})]]
[[Dalek Jast]] of the [[Cult of Skaro]] had an alternative attachment - a [[syringe]]. The syringe was fastened directly to the end of the manipulator arm in place of the plunger. ([[TV]]: ''[[Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)|Daleks in Manhattan]]'')
[[Dalek Jast]] of the [[Cult of Skaro]] had an alternative attachment - a [[syringe]]. The syringe was fastened directly to the end of the manipulator arm in place of the plunger. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)}})


=== Blowtorch ===
=== Blowtorch ===
[[File:Assault Dalek Arm.jpg|thumb|left|A Dalek claw arm. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'')]]
[[File:Assault Dalek Arm.jpg|thumb|left|A Dalek claw arm. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Parting of the Ways (TV story)}})]]
To cut through doors, early Daleks used a long, thin instrument with two spheres and a clear disc set midway up. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'') [[Assault Dalek]]s had a claw and [[blowtorch]] combination. These were used for cutting through strong metals such as [[Hydra Combination]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'') and for picking up objects normal Daleks couldn't. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)|Prisoner of the Daleks]]'')
To cut through doors, early Daleks used a long, thin instrument with two spheres and a clear disc set midway up. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Daleks (TV story)}}) [[Assault Dalek]]s had a claw and [[blowtorch]] combination. These were used for cutting through strong metals such as [[Hydra Combination]], ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Parting of the Ways (TV story)}}) and for picking up objects normal Daleks couldn't. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)}})


=== Cutting tool ===
=== Cutting tool ===
[[File:Cutting tool.jpg|right|thumb|The Daleks cut through a door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]'')]]
[[File:Cutting tool.jpg|right|thumb|The Daleks cut through a door. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Planet of the Daleks (TV story)}})]]
{{main|Cutting arm}}
{{main|Cutting arm}}
The Daleks used a hot iron to [[Cutting tool|cut]] through metal. On [[Spiridon]] they used one to cut through a thick door. ([[TV]]: ''[[Planet of the Daleks (TV story)|Planet of the Daleks]]'')
The Daleks used a hot iron to [[Cutting tool|cut]] through metal. On [[Spiridon]] they used one to cut through a thick door. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Planet of the Daleks (TV story)}})


=== Alternative weapons ===
=== Alternative weapons ===
Two alternative weapon was seen on two of the [[Emperor's Personal Guard]]. One seemed to be an upgraded Dalek gunstick, but significanty larger, and with a large sphere on the end. The other side still possessed a gun. Another of the [[Dalek Emperor]]'s guards had an arm with forward-jutting silver protrusions on a small ball. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'')
Two alternative weapon was seen on two of the [[Emperor's Personal Guard]]. One seemed to be an upgraded Dalek gunstick, but significanty larger, and with a large sphere on the end. The other side still possessed a gun. Another of the [[Dalek Emperor]]'s guards had an arm with forward-jutting silver protrusions on a small ball. ([[TV]]: {{cs|The Parting of the Ways (TV story)}})


[[Dalek X]]'s elite guards had no manipulator arms, but instead had double [[gunstick]]s. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)|Prisoner of the Daleks]]'')
[[Dalek X]]'s elite guards had no manipulator arms, but instead had double [[gunstick]]s. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)}})


In the era of the [[Restoration Empire]], the [[Dalek Executioner]] of the [[Dalek Time Squad]] possessed a manipulator arm with a claw with three crescent-shaped blades, in place of the traditional plunger, while the [[Scientist Dalek (The Guide to the Dark Times)|Scientist Dalek]] had a six-fingered claw. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[The Guide to the Dark Times (short story)|The Guide to the Dark Times]]'')
In the era of the [[Restoration Empire]], the [[Dalek Executioner]] of the [[Dalek Time Squad]] possessed a manipulator arm with a claw with three crescent-shaped blades, in place of the traditional plunger, while the [[Scientist Dalek (The Guide to the Dark Times)|Scientist Dalek]] had a six-fingered claw. ([[PROSE]]: {{cs|The Guide to the Dark Times (short story)}})


=== Other variants ===
=== Other variants ===
On [[Earth]] in [[2019]], a [[reconnaissance scout]] [[Reconnaissance Dalek|Dalek]] built itself a new [[casing]] to replace the one destroyed by [[human]]s in the [[9th century]]. This new casing, constructed from a combination of Earth metals and remnants of the Dalek's original casing, featured a claw-like manipulator arm instead of the traditional plunger arm. ([[TV]]: ''[[Resolution (TV story)|Resolution]]'')
On [[Earth]] in [[2019]], a [[reconnaissance scout]] [[Reconnaissance Dalek|Dalek]] built itself a new [[casing]] to replace the one destroyed by [[human]]s in the [[9th century]]. This new casing, constructed from a combination of Earth metals and remnants of the Dalek's original casing, featured a claw-like manipulator arm instead of the traditional plunger arm. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Resolution (TV story)}})


During the [[Last Great Time War]], the [[Black Dalek]] [[Overseer (Planet of the Ogrons)|overseer]] had a unique manipulator arm as well as several other appendages attached to its [[weapons platform]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Planet of the Ogrons (audio story)|Planet of the Ogrons]]'')
During the [[Last Great Time War]], the [[Black Dalek]] [[Overseer (Planet of the Ogrons)|overseer]] had a unique manipulator arm as well as several other appendages attached to its [[weapons platform]]. ([[AUDIO]]: {{cs|Planet of the Ogrons (audio story)}})


[[Vault Dalek|Daleks]] in [[The Vault (The Stolen Earth)|the Vault]] in the [[Crucible]] had a diamond-shaped interface to work with machinery and technology within the Vault. They resembled eight clawed arms. ([[TV]]: ''[[Journey's End (TV story)|Journey's End]]'')
[[Vault Dalek|Daleks]] in [[The Vault (The Stolen Earth)|the Vault]] in the [[Crucible]] had a diamond-shaped interface to work with machinery and technology within the Vault. They resembled eight clawed arms. ([[TV]]: {{cs|Journey's End (TV story)}})


A Dalek on the [[Dalek Saucer]] [[Survey Ship Sigma]] used a [[fire extinguisher]] arm to put out the fire after the ship collided with [[Survey Ship Delta]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'')
A Dalek on the [[Dalek Saucer]] [[Survey Ship Sigma]] used a [[fire extinguisher]] arm to put out the fire after the ship collided with [[Survey Ship Delta]]. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|The Dalek Project (comic story)}})


The "[[Quasimodo Dalek]]", which was reconstructed by unfamiliar [[human]]s, had an [[eyepiece]] fitted in place of its manipulator arm as well as its gunstick, which was fitted in place of the eyepiece atop the [[dome]]. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'')
The "[[Quasimodo Dalek]]", which was reconstructed by unfamiliar [[human]]s, had an [[eyepiece]] fitted in place of its manipulator arm as well as its gunstick, which was fitted in place of the eyepiece atop the [[dome]]. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|The Dalek Project (comic story)}})


The [[robot]]ic [[Proto-Dalek]]s, which were constructed by the [[British]] and [[German]]s as part of the [[Dalek Project]] during the [[First World War]], sported manipulator arms similar to those used by true Daleks, but mounted on a pivot rather than a balljoint. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[The Dalek Project (comic story)|The Dalek Project]]'')
The [[robot]]ic [[Proto-Dalek]]s, which were constructed by the [[British]] and [[German]]s as part of the [[Dalek Project]] during the [[First World War]], sported manipulator arms similar to those used by true Daleks, but mounted on a pivot rather than a balljoint. ([[COMIC]]: {{cs|The Dalek Project (comic story)}})


== Behind the scenes ==
== Behind the scenes ==
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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Dalek manipulators| ]]
[[Category:Dalek manipulators| *]]

Latest revision as of 17:03, 21 October 2024

The manipulator arm, tactile arm (PROSE: Davros Genesis [+]Loading...["Davros Genesis (short story)"]) or arm-stick, (PROSE: Death to the Daleks [+]Loading...["Death to the Daleks (novelisation)"]) was a long, thin, mechanical arm found on nearly all Dalek models. The manipulator arm was found in the right-hand socket in the Dalek weapons platform, with the gunstick on its left. While most manipulator arms were topped with a suction cup, numerous other designs existed. Able to be swapped out for a tool more specific to the Dalek's current needs, the manipulator arm's use varied depending on its design.

In one instance, the manipulator was the left arm of the middle section, whilst the gunstick was the right. (COMIC: The Threat from Beneath [+]Loading...["The Threat from Beneath (comic story)"])

Development[[edit] | [edit source]]

Following Davros' early prototype, Dalek One sported a tactile arm. (PROSE: Davros Genesis [+]Loading...["Davros Genesis (short story)"]) In one account of the genesis of the Daleks, Davros installed a multi-dextrous claw "capable of annihilating a million Thals" on his first Dalek. However, this claw was broken off when the TARDIS carrying the Fourteenth Doctor collided with the Dalek. Retrieving a plunger from the TARDIS, the Doctor gave it to Castavillian to replace the claw. Discovering this modification of the casing he created, Davros decided that he liked it, (TV: Destination: Skaro [+]Loading...["Destination: Skaro (TV story)"]) leading to what would become known as the suction cup becoming the norm. (PROSE: Dalek Combat Training Manual [+]Loading...["Dalek Combat Training Manual (reference book)"])

Types[[edit] | [edit source]]

Plunger[[edit] | [edit source]]

Main article: Suction arm

The ends of the manipulator arms typically were shaped like a plunger, known as suction arms. (PROSE: Prisoner of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)"]) For this reason, Dalek technology often had circular controls which the Daleks could arm or disarm by rotating. The black tip at the end, which gave the arm its "plunger" shape, could alter its form to better interact with specific objects, for example, finding the combination of electronically-locked doors. (TV: Dalek [+]Loading...["Dalek (TV story)"])

Even if the Dalek died, its arm could still operate machinery for a live person. (TV: Remembrance of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)"]) The arm also had a telescopic feature to extend its length. (TV: The Dalek Invasion of Earth [+]Loading...["The Dalek Invasion of Earth (TV story)"], Dalek [+]Loading...["Dalek (TV story)"])

It could also serve as a weapon; with the tip placed over the nose and mouth, the arm could generate suction to suffocate and kill a human, (TV: Doomsday [+]Loading...["Doomsday (TV story)"]) and enough traction to crush a human skull (TV: Dalek [+]Loading...["Dalek (TV story)"]) or rip through sheet metal. (PROSE: I Am a Dalek [+]Loading...["I Am a Dalek (novel)"]) The Tenth Doctor claimed to have seen one crush a brick with ease. (PROSE: Prisoner of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)"])

The Cult of Skaro drain information. (TV: Doomsday [+]Loading...["Doomsday (TV story)"])

In the case of the Cult of Skaro, the arm could also scan brainwaves for information or act as a quick intelligence scan. (TV: Doomsday [+]Loading...["Doomsday (TV story)"], Daleks in Manhattan [+]Loading...["Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)"]) However, if a large amount of information needed to be analysed, it could be drained out by force by encasing a subject's head inside their "plunger" tips, which would stretch the victim's head and brain to wring out their knowledge through information probes. The probes were strong enough to have a deadly effect on humans, draining them so fiercely that their bodies shrivelled up and became burned out husks. (TV: Doomsday [+]Loading...["Doomsday (TV story)"])

Imperial Daleks had a more conical variant, with a slotted rim specifically designed to operate controls. (TV: Remembrance of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Remembrance of the Daleks (TV story)"])

In an alternate timeline, the Scientist Dalek of the Dalek Time Squad possessed a manipulator arm that closely resembled the traditional plunger seen on most Daleks, but with six claws attached to the end. (PROSE: The Guide to the Dark Times [+]Loading...["The Guide to the Dark Times (short story)"])

Flamethrower[[edit] | [edit source]]

Referred to by Daleks as pyro-flames, these were small cylindrical pieces at the end of the arm which shot a stream of fire to clear swaths of forest. (TV: The Daleks' Master Plan [+]Loading...["The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story)"]) The Daleks later used other flamethrowers, which they referred to as flame guns, to melt through ice when searching for "the Abomination". The ends resembled the Progenitor Daleks' eyestalks. (COMIC: The Only Good Dalek [+]Loading...["The Only Good Dalek (comic story)"]) Daleks in the First World War used flamethrowers to clear forests to pursue the Eleventh Doctor and his companions. The flames came from their arms. (COMIC: The Dalek Project [+]Loading...["The Dalek Project (comic story)"])

Seismic detector[[edit] | [edit source]]

A Dalek uses a seismic detector. (TV: The Chase [+]Loading...["The Chase (TV story)"])

A small device which looked like a compass suspended on gimbals, the seismic detector was employed to locate enemy time machines outside the vortex. It could also detect approaching life-forms or the paths of fleeing ones, even through sealed doors. (TV: The Chase [+]Loading...["The Chase (TV story)"])

Electrode unit[[edit] | [edit source]]

A Dalek accesses the Mechanoid City with an Electrode unit. (TV: The Chase [+]Loading...["The Chase (TV story)"])

The electrode unit was a device which looked like a radar dish. It could operate electronic controls remotely. It was used in this manner to enter the Mechanoid City. (TV: The Chase [+]Loading...["The Chase (TV story)"])

Sieve[[edit] | [edit source]]

Dalek mutants were inserted into the Dalek shell during assembly by a Dalek fitted with a sieve instead of a plunger. (TV: The Power of the Daleks [+]Loading...["The Power of the Daleks (TV story)"])

Syringe[[edit] | [edit source]]

A syringe attachment. (TV: Daleks in Manhattan [+]Loading...["Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)"])

Dalek Jast of the Cult of Skaro had an alternative attachment - a syringe. The syringe was fastened directly to the end of the manipulator arm in place of the plunger. (TV: Daleks in Manhattan [+]Loading...["Daleks in Manhattan (TV story)"])

Blowtorch[[edit] | [edit source]]

A Dalek claw arm. (TV: The Parting of the Ways [+]Loading...["The Parting of the Ways (TV story)"])

To cut through doors, early Daleks used a long, thin instrument with two spheres and a clear disc set midway up. (TV: The Daleks [+]Loading...["The Daleks (TV story)"]) Assault Daleks had a claw and blowtorch combination. These were used for cutting through strong metals such as Hydra Combination, (TV: The Parting of the Ways [+]Loading...["The Parting of the Ways (TV story)"]) and for picking up objects normal Daleks couldn't. (PROSE: Prisoner of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)"])

Cutting tool[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Daleks cut through a door. (TV: Planet of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Planet of the Daleks (TV story)"])
Main article: Cutting arm

The Daleks used a hot iron to cut through metal. On Spiridon they used one to cut through a thick door. (TV: Planet of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Planet of the Daleks (TV story)"])

Alternative weapons[[edit] | [edit source]]

Two alternative weapon was seen on two of the Emperor's Personal Guard. One seemed to be an upgraded Dalek gunstick, but significanty larger, and with a large sphere on the end. The other side still possessed a gun. Another of the Dalek Emperor's guards had an arm with forward-jutting silver protrusions on a small ball. (TV: The Parting of the Ways [+]Loading...["The Parting of the Ways (TV story)"])

Dalek X's elite guards had no manipulator arms, but instead had double gunsticks. (PROSE: Prisoner of the Daleks [+]Loading...["Prisoner of the Daleks (novel)"])

In the era of the Restoration Empire, the Dalek Executioner of the Dalek Time Squad possessed a manipulator arm with a claw with three crescent-shaped blades, in place of the traditional plunger, while the Scientist Dalek had a six-fingered claw. (PROSE: The Guide to the Dark Times [+]Loading...["The Guide to the Dark Times (short story)"])

Other variants[[edit] | [edit source]]

On Earth in 2019, a reconnaissance scout Dalek built itself a new casing to replace the one destroyed by humans in the 9th century. This new casing, constructed from a combination of Earth metals and remnants of the Dalek's original casing, featured a claw-like manipulator arm instead of the traditional plunger arm. (TV: Resolution [+]Loading...["Resolution (TV story)"])

During the Last Great Time War, the Black Dalek overseer had a unique manipulator arm as well as several other appendages attached to its weapons platform. (AUDIO: Planet of the Ogrons [+]Loading...["Planet of the Ogrons (audio story)"])

Daleks in the Vault in the Crucible had a diamond-shaped interface to work with machinery and technology within the Vault. They resembled eight clawed arms. (TV: Journey's End [+]Loading...["Journey's End (TV story)"])

A Dalek on the Dalek Saucer Survey Ship Sigma used a fire extinguisher arm to put out the fire after the ship collided with Survey Ship Delta. (COMIC: The Dalek Project [+]Loading...["The Dalek Project (comic story)"])

The "Quasimodo Dalek", which was reconstructed by unfamiliar humans, had an eyepiece fitted in place of its manipulator arm as well as its gunstick, which was fitted in place of the eyepiece atop the dome. (COMIC: The Dalek Project [+]Loading...["The Dalek Project (comic story)"])

The robotic Proto-Daleks, which were constructed by the British and Germans as part of the Dalek Project during the First World War, sported manipulator arms similar to those used by true Daleks, but mounted on a pivot rather than a balljoint. (COMIC: The Dalek Project [+]Loading...["The Dalek Project (comic story)"])

Behind the scenes[[edit] | [edit source]]

The first glimpse of a Dalek. (TV: "The Dead Planet")

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]