Never Lose Anything Down The Sink Again After Getting One Nifty Tool
There are regular tools that every homeowner should own, but this unexpected one will save the day the next time you accidentally lose your wedding ring down the drain: alligator forceps. Used primarily in the medical field for delicate medical procedures, this tool sports a long snout with tiny, jagged tips at the end. Because this tool is traditionally used in small, sensitive spots, it's crucial for it to be able to gently grasp even the smallest objects in tiny places, like your drain.
The next time something is lost down the drain, turn the water off as soon as possible to prevent the object from falling down further into the P-trap, the pipes beneath your sink. Look down the drain to see if the object is visible. If not, grab a flashlight, and possibly ask someone to hold it for you if needed. Gently reach down with your alligator forceps, keeping serrated tips closed to prevent knocking the item further out of reach. Once the tips are within reach, open the forceps to grasp the object and carefully pull it up out of the drain. Consider cleaning your silver jewelry after recovery to return it to its normal shine.
Ways to use alligator forceps around the house and an alternative
With their ability to pick up tiny or delicate objects in tight spaces, alligator forceps are handy to have in your toolbox. They can be helpful when something has slipped into a tight space and nothing else can get it out, like a loose button getting stuck in the washing machine or a tiny nut or bolt slipping down into the recess of your car's engine during a tune-up. The Surgical Online Micro Alligator Forcep from Amazon for $10 is an affordable tool that's sometimes able to immediately rescue precious items from being lost down the drain.
If you don't have alligator forceps on hand and you need to recover a piece of jewelry lost down the drain, turn off the water, grab a bucket, some towels, and a wrench, and open the P-trap to recover it. If you didn't recover it or had trouble opening the P-trap, you may need to figure out if you need to call a plumber.