Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Calling a building maintenance technician
• Method 2 of 3: Calling an Elevator Repairman
• Method 3 of 3: Getting the keys yourself
• Warnings

So, your keys fell into the narrow slot where the elevator doors open. Congratulations! Today is not your day. But you have three options that you can use to get them, see below.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Calling a building maintenance technician

1. 1 Call the building maintenance staff.
2. 2 Ask if they have the elevator shaft key to get the keys. If they have such a key, then you will get what you need, although it all depends on the building.
3. 3 Take the keys from them.

Method 2 of 3: Calling an Elevator Repairman

1. 1 Call the master. Each building must have a master who serves it. Look for contacts either in the housing office or in the elevator itself.
2. 2 The master will get the keys. He will stop the elevators, and then open access to the space that is below them. Then he can get the keys for you.
3. 3 Pay him. In the US it will cost between $ 75 and $ 300.
4. 4 See if you can wait. If you are not in a hurry, then wait until the next lift inspection (as a rule, they are carried out several times a year). They usually won't charge for this.

Method 3 of 3: Getting the keys yourself

1. 1 Go to the hardware store and buy a £ 50 magnet. This means that such a magnet can pull 22 kilos, and it itself does not weigh so much. These magnets are small and inexpensive ($ 2 to $ 3). Also buy a thin but sturdy rope to tie it to the magnet. Also, buy a telescopic magnet. It is as wide as a pencil and also adds up to 2 feet (0.8 kg) in weight. You also need 1 or 2 bright flashlights, a stick (or broomstick), and scissors.
2. 2 Stop the elevator downstairs. The lift must have a stop button. Alternatively, ask someone in your house to use the button to keep the elevator on the lower floor and the doors open. If there is another elevator next to "your" elevator, also stop that elevator on the lower floor.
3. 3 Find the keys. Adjust your flashlight and find the keys while lying on the ground so that the flashlight illuminates everything through the slot. They must be somewhere nearby.If possible, use a different flashlight and also look for your keys near the "next door" elevator. This is only possible if the elevators are relatively close (no more than 2.5 meters), illuminating with a flashlight so that you can see the floor of the elevator shaft (and keys).
4. 4 Wind up the magnet. Tie the magnet (firmly!) To a long piece of string. You must lower the magnet under the elevator by lowering it on the rope. This is difficult because the magnet will stick to the metal side of the elevator and shaft. You can wrap the rope around the magnet many times, put your hand in the direction of the elevator (yes, into the shaft, and yes, it's scary) and toss the magnet. Don't forget to hold the rope! The rope should be loose enough to lower the magnet to the floor.
   • If that doesn't work, use a long stick. Take a magnet and stick it into the shaft along the walls from which it sticks out, take a stick or other long and narrow object from the yard. Remember, the idea is for the magnet to dangle.
5. 5 Lower the magnet until it touches the key. This should be relatively easy, unless your keys bounced a bit and you can't see them. Next, you will need the help of someone in the elevator near you to guide you in "swinging" your magnet. Once your keys are stuck to the magnet, slowly pull them up!
6. 6 Be aware that the key can get stuck. Sometimes, even when you have special keys, it becomes impossible to reach them through the slot because your magnet gets stuck on the bottom or side of the elevator and the keys fall off when you pull the magnet. At this point, a telescopic magnet must be used.
7. 7 Tie a rope to the telescopic magnet and lower it clockwise through the slot. Since the magnet is small and not as strong, it should easily pass between the sides and dangle. Repeat step six.
8. 8 Ready!

Warnings

• Do not try to stop the elevator by blocking the doors. Use ONLY the stop button or elevator key. Don't mess with the elevator at all. This is not only dangerous but also illegal.