Hopefully someone has had this issue before. I was swapping my tail lights for some homemade candied ones and I dropped a 10 mm socket in the driver's side tail light area. I felt around as much as I could without success. Does anyone know where or how I can retrieve the socket. I could easily buy a new one, but with the rattles I have already, I don't want another one. Thanks. Chris

 

Magnetic pickup tool.

I had the same problem.

 

I thought about that. I guess I'll go buy one tonight and see if I have any luck. Thanks for your idea. Anyone else, in case that doesn't work?

 

One of my taillights screws also dropped and I could never get it out. I think I hear it rattling around in there but Im not sure. I need to get one of those magnetic pickup tools myself. Does anyone have any extra taillight screws or know where to get some if I cant find it?

 

Either a magnet, or if you can see it, one of those retrievial tools that have the 4 flexable fingers. I have also had luck using double sticky tape on the end of a screwdriver.

 

I have skinny arms so I was able to reach all the way to the bottom, but I can't feel it. I have a feeling it went into the bumper area. I went to Lowe's for replacement nuts, and like a moron I forgot to get a magnetic pickup tool.

Omega - If you are referring to the tail light nuts, I couldn't find any on my voyage tonight. I went to Lowe's and Home Depot. Neither had much of a metric selection. I ended up using washers and 6mm nylon lock nuts that I bought at Lowe's. I didn't dare reuse the stock parts. I swear they are made out of butter. Two flaked apart while I was trying to remove them tonight.

 

Just to help anyone else that ever has this problem... I retrieved the socket tonight. I bought a flexible mechanics grabber "thingy" with the four little prongs that open up and grab with the button at the top. I placed a magnet inside that and attempted to retrieve it. Didn't work. I finally removed all of the spare tire accessories down to the metal and reached under the plastic by the wheel well. I was able to pull it out by flexing the plastic a little. Hope this helps.

 

Good tip, guess you answered your own question. I will try that once I get my replacement nut off that is stuck on that screw.