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This one is for sewers, (or if you drop a nail when hanging a picture) whether you have a "bad" back or need to reach into a tight space, this works for me. Stick a magnet onto the end of a knitting needle or yardstick, etc. Then you can easily pick up those pins, etc. that always seem to fall where they cannot be reached.
Since there has been a lot of talk about pins and how dangerous they can be to a child or a pet, I thought I could share this tip. If you drop a pin and can't locate it, try taking a magnet and skim over the area you think you have dropped it. Hopefully this will help locate the pin.
Source: In the operating room. If the count was off, we'd use a huge magnet to go over the floor with.
By Michele from Bangor, PA
I always keep a magnetic bar on hand to pick up pins, needles and other metal items. They are cheap and very easy to use. They take the hunt out of finding dropped pins or needles. You can make your own magnet by using a heavy strip of metal and hot gluing it to a block or rod. Works great and is inexpensive.
By gem from VA
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Have you ever dropped all of your common pins on the floor and had to play pick up sticks? Well, no more, grab a magnet and just wave it over the pins and they come right up. Same thing with thumb tacks, if they are all metal. Just dig out a trusty magnet and they come right up.
By Joyce from Tennessee
In case you are wondering where you will find a magnet, many scissors are magnetized. (03/30/2010)
Use an old magnetic bingo wand for picking up spilled pins and needles.
Tip: Some pins may not be the type that can be picked up with a magnet. Something to consider when purchasing new pins, so check them before you buy with a magnet!
By Syd
You could also wrap a wide piece of masking tape
(sticky side on the OUTSIDE), around your hand & pick them up that way.
By Jeanette
The suggestion for the magnetic wand will most likely work better than my suggestion, but this works well for any small item lost in the carpet:
Cover the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner with an old nylon and vacuum the area. Your small item will be sucked into the nylon rather than the inside of your vacuum!
By Claire
