Dropped tool inside dash

[guest2871]

So, I followed these instruction - hondafitjazz.com/audio.htm - and when I was removing screw 3, something bad happened.

The phillips heads on the screws were not in the best shape so I used a socket instead, on an extender, to reach screws 2 and 3. While both screws came out no problem, the socket head dropped of the extender as I was removing S3 and it fell. Into the dash below the radio. Has anyone else done this? I have felt around as much as I can but my short, fat fingers cannot really get any further than the radio facias so I can't feel where it dropped. Any ideas or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Greg

[guest1521]

Since your fingers can't access it, I'd be thinking of something long enough. thin, flexible (ideally) and magnetic (very ideally) to 'catch' the socket head... if not magnetic you may be able to use this long, thin, flexible device to simply 'sweep' the socket head to then access it with your fingers. In the first instance, if I were you I'd probably use a short length of electric cabling (simply because I have some handily spare in my garage) and not worry about magnetism - but I'd guess it needs more flexibility than that. Maybe a light and a mirror, too, if in fact you could possibly see behind the dash that way.
Flexible LED torch such as this here might help.
http://www.ryness.co.uk/products/1428-pifco-workmate-flexible-led-torch.aspx
Hope this is useful.

[guest2871]

You know, I actually have one of those dentist mirrors that I use in my work (no, not a dentist but kids are still scared of me) and that may just help. Thanks for advice. I must look for a light like that link too - it will help in my main work anyways. Will update...

[Top Down]

Alternative is a blob of blutac on the end of something like a plastic knitting needle, as sometimes the magnet sticks to everything metal in the area except the thing you're trying to pick up 

[guest2865]

I once dropped a nut down into an engine crevice - I could just get a finger down into it and touch the nut lightly!  I put a spot of Super Glue on the finger tip, got it onto the nut, waited a few seconds and .......... BINGO.

Can you touch the lost part?

[guest2871]

Argh! Tried everything - I simply cannot see the lost tool. I will have to let the mechanics get it for me on the next service. In case anyone else finds this thread with a similar problem, remember to unplug your ipod before you yank the facias off to retrieve anything. I didn't, pulling out the pins. Stupid stupid stupid, but at least I have learnt a thing or two.

Thanks for advice.