Yes, you can use the Ready action to manipulate the Mage Hand.
The Ready action allows you to take a predetermined action as a reaction when the chosen trigger action occurs. You can choose between all abilities that require an action to use, unless they specify otherwise. The Mage Hand spell states that it takes an action to manipulate the spectral hand.
Using mage hand is an action, and Ready works with an action, so it's perfectly valid within the rules.
The only question mark is whether the hand is strong enough to manipulate the lever; it can "manipulate an object" which usually means yes, but it can only carry 10 lbs. so if the lever is stuck in any way your DM might rule otherwise.
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Scenario.
A character has casted mage hand, and positioned it next to a lever which trigger a trap.
Can use the ready action to control the mage hand and trigger the trap when an enemy is right under the trap?
Yes, you can use the Ready action to manipulate the Mage Hand.
The Ready action allows you to take a predetermined action as a reaction when the chosen trigger action occurs. You can choose between all abilities that require an action to use, unless they specify otherwise. The Mage Hand spell states that it takes an action to manipulate the spectral hand.
Using mage hand is an action, and Ready works with an action, so it's perfectly valid within the rules.
The only question mark is whether the hand is strong enough to manipulate the lever; it can "manipulate an object" which usually means yes, but it can only carry 10 lbs. so if the lever is stuck in any way your DM might rule otherwise.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Thank You both for the anwser, helped a lot.