Pro tip: A magnet on a string for finding dropped screws in tight spots

I was working on a stacked washer dryer unit yesterday and dropped a tiny 1/4 inch screw behind the control panel. Instead of taking the whole thing apart, I tied a strong neodymium magnet to a piece of kite string and fished it around the back. Pulled the screw right out in about two minutes. Has anyone else got a good trick for retrieving small parts without a full disassembly?

3 comments

3 Comments

noahjenkins7d ago

Seriously? Just take it apart.

martinez.anna6d ago

Just take it apart" like it's nothing. You make it sound like unscrewing a coffee mug. This thing has like, a hundred tiny clips that all snap if you look at them wrong. I tried it once and the back panel never fit right again. It's not a simple fix for most people.

casey9096d ago

Can confirm, my last attempt is now a box of sad plastic bits lol.