Need help retrieving screw

I was replacing the latch for the sun visor, and my screw fell down the dash vent. I am wondering if anyone has had this problem and knows how to get it out. I would rather not like to take my dash apart to get access to the duct.

Thanks for any help

 

Can you see it or know how far down it is?

 

maybe one of these if you can see it

$9 Master Magnetics Bend-It Bendable Magnetic Pick-Up Tool - Strong Retrieving Magnet for Screws, Nails, and Small Hand Tools - Ideal for Mechanics and Plumbers - 2 lb Hold - 19” L

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Magne...s=mechanics+magnet&qid=1712127429&sr=8-5&th=1

 

This is probably your best bet and path of least resistance.

 

small thin supermagnet on a piece of spiderwire or other strong fishing line.

 

Do you mean the defroster vent? Can you see it if you look from outside the truck through the windshield?

 

Had a similar issue last week. Not in the vent but down along the firewall. Couldn't see it, fished and fished with a magnet with no luck. Bought a $30 inspection scope from Harbor Freight that has a tiny magnet you can attach to the head. Was able to find the nut and retrieve it with the magnet. Little infuriating because you can't control the head, have to keep pulling it up, bend a little this way, that way, etc... but finally did get it. And yes, could have bought a new nut but by that point it became challenge.

 

Magnet wrapped up in some stainless safety wire did wonders for me.

 

Which vent?

 

Buy a new screw....?

You have the screw from the other side to duplicate..?.

 

Sorry for the late update but I dropped it down the defroster vent and I have tried to look down it and I no longer see it, I am certain that me having to drive to work has made it move probably deeper into the hole. I will see if the magnetic will work, I'd like to not tear apart my dash since I don't have enough time to get it done during the weekend in time for work.

 

Personally, I’d buy a new screw at this point.