Just in case anyone runs into this problem - I replaced fork dampers with the stanchions and sliders in situ and twice lost a fiber washer at the bottom of the slider (once removing an old damper and once installing a new one).
Tried a few things and then used a rifle cleaning rod with a slotted jag and a big (2"x2") patch through the jag. WASHER came out in seconds each time, on the rod. The patch slipped through the washer on the downstroke and caught it on the up.
Don't imagine there will be a LOT of call for this technique (even assuming you have cleaning rod/jag/patch hanging around) but just in case. It realllllly worked well!
Tried a few things and then used a rifle cleaning rod with a slotted jag and a big (2"x2") patch through the jag. WASHER came out in seconds each time, on the rod. The patch slipped through the washer on the downstroke and caught it on the up.
Don't imagine there will be a LOT of call for this technique (even assuming you have cleaning rod/jag/patch hanging around) but just in case. It realllllly worked well!