how to retrieve a gold earring dropped down an apartment air vent that's too small to fit a normal vacuum hose

Question

I removed the grate, cannot see the earring nor reach it. I heard it fall quite a long way. Are there any long and skinny vacuum hoses?

Answer 1

Will suggest a long-shot, but cheap and possible idea if vent opening is large enough. chew big wad of gum and tie it to a string. Best of luck with fishing and sticking.

Answer 2

Unscrew and remove the vent cover. If the earring is plated a magnet might do. Otherwise use the vaccuum cleaner in which you have installed a new bag.

Answer 3

If you can see the ring but can't get the register out of the floor, you could try bending a hook in the end of a small wire. you will have to make your hook small enough (angle) to come back out the crack with the ring, and use a small enough guage of wire, just think enough that you have some control.

Answer 4

the air vent will usually lift out of the floor. if it doesn't, call the apt manager and have them send the maint man over and give him $20

Answer 5

can you see the earring from the grate??? If so then get a wire coat hanger cut it near the twist and bend it as to get it through the grate. hook the earring and pull it out--------simple enough. good luck fishing-------------------

Answer 6

piece of duct tape on the end of a wooden stick or ruler might work

Answer 7

put something sticky (tape, chewed bubble gum)on the end of a small stick, worked for me

Answer 8

If you can see it, I might be able to help. Otherwise, ask maintenance to take cylinder apart so you can look.