Socket stuck in door - how to retrieve?!

[rabinaba]

I’m in the process of wrapping my Bronco and I took the door handle off to make things easier. When putting the handle back on, I had a socket on an extension in the access hole. In the process, I pulled the socket out too quickly and it popped right off into the door.

I have no idea how I’m supposed to get this thing out now. Is there another way to access that side of the door? Will taking the door panel off help? Any suggestions?

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[Jakob1972]

Let me guess it is a 10 mm. I always start any project with a hand full of 10mm sockets tossed into the work area as a sacrifice to the tool gods.
Actually if you take off the door panel you should have access to the area. You can use one of those magnets that telescopes out.

 

[HighVelocity]

Turn the Bronco upside down and shake vigorously.

 

[HBTFD 2.0]

You can take the door panel off and easily get to the socket. YouTube the process. The plastic clips are prone to break so be gentle removing.

 

[rabinaba]

Let me guess it is a 10 mm. I always start any project with a hand full of 10mm sockets tossed into the work area as a sacrifice to the tool gods.
Actually if you take off the door panel you should have access to the area. You can use one of those magnets that telescopes out.

It was actually two 5 mm sockets, so that basically adds up to a 10 mm.

Taking off the door panel worked surprisingly easily. Now if I could only figure out why I can’t get this door handle back on!

 

[B-Dog15]

It was actually two 5 mm sockets, so that basically adds up to a 10 mm.

Taking off the door panel worked surprisingly easily. Now if I could only figure out why I can’t get this door handle back on!

Did you try and put the two 5mm sockets back in the door?

 

[rabinaba]

Did you try and put the two 5mm sockets back in the door?

No but I tried a 10 mm. That seemed to make the rattling louder.

 

[zuke]

The door is relatively easy to take off, I think I'd take it off and try turning it upside down before risking all those panel clips.

 

[Techun]

No but I tried a 10 mm. That seemed to make the rattling louder.

Put in a 12mm to scare the 10 out

 

[Gl4DY5]

I just solved a similar issue with a long flexible claw tool made for these types of problems.

I had this:

Stuck in here:

ever since I bought the Bronco. Most times I turn it would rattle and slide back and forth along the inside of that cross member. I finally found where the noise was coming from and got it out with this :

I tried magnets, sticky tape and they didn’t work. I used a pick and my finger to get it into position then pulled it out like an arcade claw machine.

 

[rabinaba]

I should make it clear that taking the door panel off worked and I was able to get the door handle back on. Only a few more panels to go!

 

[Jakob1972]

I should make it clear that taking the door panel off worked and I was able to get the door handle back on. Only a few more panels to go!

Glad that worked.
Looks good too

 

[rabinaba]

The hood has a good bit of debris underneath and I’ll probably have to redo the tailgate with the hinges off…but all in all, I don’t think it’s all that bad for my first attempt.

 

[CalvinT]

Glad taking the door off worked for you.

The door and frame are aluminum. The socket is steel.

Next time try a magnetic on a string before you have to take the door off.

 

[userdude]

Oh so is "I got my socket stuck in the door" how the cool kids talk about it these days??

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