They fell far enough down as to not be visible. I have a fiber optics bundle inspection device but it does no good to see something that you cannot retrieve? Suggestions.
Shop vac pulled up one. The 2.75" OD hose does not really want to go far enough down (twist in vent duct). Next step is a step down adapter to a smaller hose.
Well assuming it's not too fragile a shop or canister vac hose or wand down to it and retrieve from bag. Any tool place like harbor freight has a flexible tool with gripper fingers. They usually are only 2-3 feel long.
ReplyDeletevacuum cleaner hose down the air vent. insert a panty hose in the nozzle to capture the earring
ReplyDeleteClayton - tape your fiber optic near the end of an automotive flexible grabber (the kind with a push button that opens a claw at the end. You can find them at your local auto parts store, or find one with the right length here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=flexible+claw&ref=nb_sb_noss
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rusty
Is the floor below the vent finished? If not, you may be able to disassemble the vent and get them out that way.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a bagless vacuum cleaner, you might try thoroughly cleaning the bin, then see if you can retrieve them with that. Alternatively, take a bag-style vacuum and use a new bag...
If you remove the diffuser, sometimes you can get an arm around the bend and feel for things as well. Do you have any spry younger relatives?
Best of luck!
Can you get a shop vac nozzle down in there?
ReplyDeleteIf so, clean the shop vac, put in a new filter, and suck it out.
New bag in the vacuum, extension hose, suck everything out that can be reached, and then cut open and inspect the contents of the bag.
ReplyDeleteI've read of using a vacuum cleaner hose with the open end covered with a screening material (e.g. nylon hosiery).
ReplyDeleteShop Vac
ReplyDeleteWrap duct tape sticky side out on something you can snake down there and see with the camera?
ReplyDeleteDepending on access, an appropriately sized piece of PVC pipe, or a vacuum extension, or a piece of flexible hose or tubing.
ReplyDeleteJury rig an object trap by pushing a piece of stocking/panty hose down the piping and secure it with a couple of rubber bands.
Apply suction, remove earrings, remove suction device, and dump out earrings.
You don't want the earrings accelerating down a long wind tunnel and crashing into a bend.
Stay tuned for more thinking.
Tacky putty. Put some on one side of the end of your camera and you should be able to pull them back up.
ReplyDeleteMy HarborFreight camera came with a clip that attaches to the end with various options. The hook mode *might* work, if you have one, but a blob of tacky putty is my first thought.
https://www.amazon.com/NoCry-Pick-up-Tool-Set-Telescoping/dp/B07D23M5R7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3B104ZUORG612&keywords=grasping%2Btool&qid=1645390809&sprefix=grasping%2Btool%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-5&th=1
ReplyDeleteMechanics frequently have that sort of problem. A clawed grabber is just the ticket, and as you see, not terribly expensive.
Try a shop vac with some additional flexible hose. Use an old nylon stocking as a filter.
ReplyDeleteThere is a flexible spring-loaded “claw” tool that mechanics use to retrieve dropped small items in tight spaces. If your fiber optic lets you see where things are, that makes it easier than fishing blind.Try the parts stores, Harbor Freight, Mac or SnapOn to find one. If I still lived in Boise, you could borrow mine.
ReplyDeleteHow far do you need to reach? There are mechanic's and electrician's tools that might work for that, not to mention a vacuum.
ReplyDeleteReducers duct tape small hose shop vac
ReplyDeleteI guess a lot depends on how much the earrings are worth to you.
ReplyDeleteIf they are too far down the vent to retrieve with one of those long grabbit devices, then you very well might have to access and disassemble the vent. Magnetic devices are usually worthless if the vent is made of a ferrous material, besides which, jewelry is usually non-magnetic.