This is why I keep a floor sweep magnet handy near the workbench. Of course, not all the items I launch/drop into the unknown are ferrous. But for this sort of item the large magnet is very reliable. Also, when you're not as spry and agile as you once were, it's easier on the joints to try finding that...grease port screw...without having to crawl around on cold conrete!
I've learned to mag-sweep the workshop before using the shop vac, too. It's amazing what it picks up that just happened to succumb to gravity without any awareness/participation on my part!!
The sweep magnets are not expensive. Most of the home improvement places sell them.
FWIW...
KD
