Resistor lead fell into transformer... d'oh

[dstarr3]

So I was using some flush cutters to snip off the excess length of a resistor lead after soldering it, and of course the snipped off piece fell right into the transformer and I can't seem to shake it out.

I finished the rest of the assembly but haven't done resistance checks yet, nor have I plugged it in or powered it on yet. Is that spare bit of lead in the transformer going to be a problem, or are things relatively well protected in there? If I do need to get it out, any advice as to how?

Thanks!

[Doc B.]

Yeah, you want to get it out of there as it could create a short inside the transformer. Can you see the lead?

[dstarr3]

A little bit. It's stuck upright right in an inside corner of the transformer, so I can only really see the end of it.

[Doc B.]

Without being able to see how it is positioned it's a bit difficult to offer suggestions on how to remove it. If you can't shake it out or grab it with tweezers I'd be inclined to try something sticky to attach to it to pull it out. Maybe use a little piece of wire with a wee dab of something sticky on it like a little silicone sealer or honey.

[Natural Sound]

Maybe something like this will work.
https://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Universal-Detailing-Automotive-Interior/dp/B081T7N948

[dstarr3]

Got it! In better light I could see it was still poking out about half a mil. Got some fine tweezers in there and yanked it out. Thanks, all!

[Doc B.]

Well done!