# Aid in removing screwdriver from dryer chute, pls **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 4, 2009, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313 "2009-05-04T18:21:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Clare\_de\_Loone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/clare_de_loone/32/3407_2.png) [@Clare\_de\_Loone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clare_de_Loone)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/1 "2009-05-04T18:21:12Z")
Short version: I accidentally sent a screwdriver rolling down the chute in the top of the clothes dryer where the lint trap screen belongs. Does anyone have a suggestion for retrieving the screwdriver? Many thanks. Longer version: The plastic handle to remove the lint screen is broken. I use a screwdriver to pop out the lint screen. I set down the screwdriver after removing the screen and the sucker rolled into the dryer. It’s a Sears Kenmore machine, if that matters. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/2 "2009-05-04T18:49:26Z")
I have a couple of grabber thingies (how’s that for a technical term) that are about 3 feet long and are flexible. One just ends in a magnet. The other has a 3 pronged gripper which extends out when you push in the handle at the other end. Assuming your screwdriver isn’t made of some non-magnetic metal, either one would probably work in this case. They are fairly cheap and can be had at most local hardware stores. If all else fails, you can take the back off of the dryer and disassemble the lint tube and take the screwdriver out through the bottom. Of course, you’ll need a screwdriver to get the back off of the dryer. :smack: (Hopefully you have another one) ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/3 "2009-05-04T18:50:03Z")
I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if you could just take off the vent hose from the back and grab the screwdriver. Of course, you’ll probably need a screwdriver to remove the vent hose. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/4 "2009-05-04T18:51:38Z")
Usually, the top is held down by a few screws on the back of the unit, either directly accessible or located beneath the control panel (which would have to be removed to get to them). Once the top is removed, the front and rear panels are usually held on by screws or nuts located on the inside. Once the front panel is off, the airflow duct (where your screwdriver is) should be readily accessible. Well, I never said it would be easy. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/5 "2009-05-04T18:53:01Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if you could just take off the vent hose from the back and grab the screwdriver. Of course, you’ll probably need a screwdriver to remove the vent hose. Wrong side of the blower system. The OP’s tool is down in the front of unit just inside the loading door, where the lint screen is located. ---
**Author:** ![Clare\_de\_Loone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/clare_de_loone/32/3407_2.png) [@Clare\_de\_Loone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clare_de_Loone)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/6 "2009-05-04T19:19:48Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > I have a couple of grabber thingies (how’s that for a technical term) that are about 3 feet long and are flexible. One just ends in a magnet. The other has a 3 pronged gripper which extends out when you push in the handle at the other end. > … > > (Hopefully you have another one) There is a grabber thingie (ah, tech-speak I can follow) in the house, but the arm is too rigid; the chute curves. Yes, I have other screwdrivers. Thanks to all so far; I will be investigating unscrewing a panel or two. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/7 "2009-05-04T19:47:04Z")
Tie a magnet to a string and drop it down there. If the screwdriver was able to roll to wherever it ended up, the magnet should be able to, too. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/8 "2009-05-04T19:54:23Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Tie a magnet to a string and drop it down there. If the screwdriver was able to roll to wherever it ended up, the magnet should be able to, too. If that doesn’t work, I’d recommend a medium-sized washer/ring-shaped one from here: [http://unitednuclear.com/magnets.htm](http://unitednuclear.com/magnets.htm) ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/9 "2009-05-04T19:55:14Z")
If the chute is non-ferrous, then magnets are absolutely the way to go. Two or three of [these](http://www.forcefieldmagnets.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23_37&products_id=39) on a string should do it. And afterwards, you have two or three extremely cool magnets to play with (keep out of reach of kids of course). Seriously, there is [no end](http://www.wondermagnet.com/uses_old.html) to the cool things you can do with strong magnets. ---
**Author:** ![Clare\_de\_Loone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/clare_de_loone/32/3407_2.png) [@Clare\_de\_Loone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clare_de_Loone)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/10 "2009-05-04T20:06:00Z")
Inspired and bolstered by **Q.E.D.** & **Finagle** , I’ve researched what I need to unscrew. (Thanks.) Magnets are not an option. The new problem is figuring out how to disconnect the vent pipe without breaking the pipe. I figure I’ll troll the neighborhood for small children with decent fine motor skills to dangle by their ankles behind the dryer. The washer and dryer are wedged inconveniently; the dryer’s basically in front of the washer. Yes, kidding on the trolling. Just in case this happens to anyone else, I recommend this [site](http://www.applianceaid.com/fanblower.html). ---
**Author:** ![JerseyFrank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bcef8e/32.png) [@JerseyFrank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JerseyFrank)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/11 "2009-05-04T20:08:02Z")
My favorite options: [ul] [li]Leave it there - what harm is it doing anyhow?[/li][li]Buy a new dryer - your lint trap was broken anyway :)[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![fortytwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f9ae1b/32.png) [@fortytwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fortytwo)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/12 "2009-05-04T20:16:06Z")
> [@Clare\_de\_Loone](#): > > There is a grabber thingie (ah, tech-speak I can follow) in the house, but the arm is too rigid; the chute curves. For future reference those thingies are called **mechanical fingers.** ---
**Author:** ![Clare\_de\_Loone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/clare_de_loone/32/3407_2.png) [@Clare\_de\_Loone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clare_de_Loone)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/13 "2009-05-04T20:35:42Z")
Progress report: Successfully retrieved screwdriver; now in tedious reassembly process. (That’s why I’m taking a break to post.) ---
**Author:** ![emmaliminal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@emmaliminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emmaliminal)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/14 "2009-05-04T20:39:42Z")
Woohoo! Just curious – why weren’t magnets an option? Would they have just stuck to the chute, or were you without suitable magnets and under deadline? ---
**Author:** ![Clare\_de\_Loone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/clare_de_loone/32/3407_2.png) [@Clare\_de\_Loone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clare_de_Loone)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/15 "2009-05-04T21:23:56Z")
Update: Mission accomplished! Everything’s back together. Magnets would not have worked because, yes, they would have stuck to the chute. Thanks again to all who offered suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/16 "2009-05-04T22:29:46Z")
> [@Vetch](#): > > For future reference those thingies are called **mechanical fingers.** Terribly prosaic - I’ve always felt **frumious bandersnatch** was a better term ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/17 "2009-05-04T22:56:59Z")
I can’t believe you kids are calling it the ‘dryer chute’ nowadays. This thread is a lot more interesting when one expects x-rays to follow. ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2009, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/18 "2009-05-05T00:17:00Z")
> [@Q.E.D](#): > > Wrong side of the blower system. The OP’s tool is down in the front of unit just inside the loading door, where the lint screen is located. Don’t think so – that’s not where the lint screen is on most dryers, least not most dryers I’ve owned. It should be right before the vent pipe. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2009, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/19 "2009-05-05T00:20:38Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > Don’t think so – that’s not where the lint screen is on most dryers, least not most dryers I’ve owned. It should be right before the vent pipe. Not on recent Kenmores. It’s in the front. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2009, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aid-in-removing-screwdriver-from-dryer-chute-pls/495313/20 "2009-05-05T05:35:17Z")
> [@Clare\_de\_Loone](#): > > Longer version: The plastic handle to remove the lint screen is broken. I use a screwdriver to pop out the lint screen. Mine is too. (So was my mothers old one, and a cousins. They don’t seem to make thes strong enough for the constant use they get.) I used to use a screwdriver, but I finally drilled a couple of holes with an electric drill, and threaded a spare piece of electrical wire thru them, and twisted the ends together to make a handle. That fix has now lasted longer than the original manufacturers handle. And it’s a lot more convenient than the screwdriver was.