Clawshot

The Clawshot is an item introduced in Twilight Princess.

Clawshot
The Clawshot is based off of the Hookshot, but instead of having a single point, it has three claws that are used to grab things to pull them closer to Link or pull Link to them.

Link first receives the Clawshot in Lakebed Temple at the bottom of Lake Hylia, after defeating the local mini-boss (Deku Toad), and it becomes important for beating that temple's boss, Morpheel.

Double Clawshot
Later in the game, Link will find another Clawshot in the City in the Sky, after defeating the mini-boss Aeralfos. Together, they are referred to as the Double Clawshots and enable Link to grapple onto an object while holding onto (or hanging from) another. This is required to go deeper into the dungeon.

The visible difference is that previously, when Link grappled onto a target, his only option was to drop to the platform below. However, the combination of two Clawshots allows him to grapple and pull himself towards one target, then grapple another target without the need to drop down beforehand. This is vital, since many sections of the City in the Sky have pitfalls and holes instead of solid platforms.

The Double Clawshots are the key item to defeating the boss of the City in the Sky, Argorok.

Clawshot vs. Hookshot
The Clawshot is a departure from the Hookshot, since it can no longer attach to the same variety of items and surfaces as previously possible. Where the Hookshot could latch on to torches, chests, rooftops, and other indicated targets, the Clawshot is more limited in what objects it can grasp. These objects are typically a form of grating, which somewhat diminishes the variety of different areas the Clawshot can cling to.

On the other hand, the Clawshot surpasses the Hookshot in other areas. The ability to cling to grates and use the second Clawshot to reach other areas opens up interesting new exploration abilities. The ability to move up and down along the Clawshot's chain is also useful, and is reminiscent of The Wind Waker's Grappling Hook.

Trivia
The Clawshot is Link's tether recovery in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.