Need help, made a bonehead move
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,299
Likes: 33
From: Houston Texas
Need help, made a bonehead move
Hi,
I was installing a battery on my C5 and while I was clamping down the battery to secure it in place, the socket fell off the ratchet and down into the hole in the floor pan area. I can't see it but I'm pretty sure its down there. How can I get it out? Do you think it matters if I leave it in there? I really want to get it, but it looks like I'll really have to pull things apart to get down there.
Any help would be appreciated.
I was installing a battery on my C5 and while I was clamping down the battery to secure it in place, the socket fell off the ratchet and down into the hole in the floor pan area. I can't see it but I'm pretty sure its down there. How can I get it out? Do you think it matters if I leave it in there? I really want to get it, but it looks like I'll really have to pull things apart to get down there.
Any help would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 0
From: NY NY
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (rschiltz)
Not sure if this would help but try a magnet on the end of a stick or a rope. It may stick to other parts and may require patience but it may work.
Good luck
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 3
From: Memphis Tn
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (rschiltz)
That's right. Telescopic magnetic retrieval tools can be purchased at your local tool store. Mine came from Autozone, it's the size of an ink pen, it telescopes out to 1-1/2 ft. and can pick up 1 lbs.! :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 3,292
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, Texas Texas
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (rschiltz)
Been there done that!
I pulled that stunt last week installing my thermo/fan controller!
Pick up one of those telescoping magnetic tipped retrievers.
You can find them at Auto Zone etc.
I actually had to remove the bottom panel underneath the passenger side beneath the battry to get my socket back.
512-743-3378
Its not that difficult. Give me a ring if you need my help.
512-743-3378
I pulled that stunt last week installing my thermo/fan controller!
Pick up one of those telescoping magnetic tipped retrievers.
You can find them at Auto Zone etc.
I actually had to remove the bottom panel underneath the passenger side beneath the battry to get my socket back.
512-743-3378
Its not that difficult. Give me a ring if you need my help.
512-743-3378
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (rschiltz)
Not a problem. Jack up car and remove the plastic panel on the back side bottom portion of the wheel well. Should be about 7 to 10 screws or so. Once off you can see the in the area where the pesky little critter went! (You might need a flashlight) 
Hi,
I was installing a battery on my C5 and while I was clamping down the battery to secure it in place, the socket fell off the ratchet and down into the hole in the floor pan area. I can't see it but I'm pretty sure its down there. How can I get it out? Do you think it matters if I leave it in there? I really want to get it, but it looks like I'll really have to pull things apart to get down there.
Any help would be appreciated.
I was installing a battery on my C5 and while I was clamping down the battery to secure it in place, the socket fell off the ratchet and down into the hole in the floor pan area. I can't see it but I'm pretty sure its down there. How can I get it out? Do you think it matters if I leave it in there? I really want to get it, but it looks like I'll really have to pull things apart to get down there.
Any help would be appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 1
From: San Diego CA
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (rschiltz)
Done that before! Both with a socket and a oil container cap (don't ask).
I got the socket out with a magnetic probe (it just takes some work) and the cap out with double sided adhesive stick to the probe.
Good luck!
Mike :flag
I got the socket out with a magnetic probe (it just takes some work) and the cap out with double sided adhesive stick to the probe.
Good luck!
Mike :flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 527
From: Clouds Over California
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (Tx99FRC)
I have done this move twice, the telescopic magnet as someone previously mentioned has rescued me twice. Gee.........was it on the negative terminal? :cool:
[Modified by Shinobi's97, 7:55 PM 9/22/2001]
[Modified by Shinobi's97, 7:55 PM 9/22/2001]
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,299
Likes: 33
From: Houston Texas
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (Shinobi's97)
Thanks for all your responses guys. I'm going to Autozone shortly to get the magnetic wand.
If this doesn't work then eventually I'll remove the fender panel.
Scott, I may have to call you when I attempt this in a few weeks.
Shinobi, Yes I do think it was on the negative terminal.
If this doesn't work then eventually I'll remove the fender panel.
Scott, I may have to call you when I attempt this in a few weeks.
Shinobi, Yes I do think it was on the negative terminal.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: Need help, made a bonehead move (rschiltz)
Man, no tool kit is complete without a few magnets! I have a few telescopic ones, one on a rope, one that can pick up 100#, etc.
This tool is second only to the beer fridge in the garage. :cool:
I have a few telescopic ones, one on a rope, one that can pick up 100#, etc. This tool is second only to the beer fridge in the garage. :cool:
