Based on the poll you made *cough*, I voted for "as long as it takes"

I too found a screw on the floor at about minute 45 the other day.

Epic victory.

Pinball isn't for wimps.

Stay hard!
-mof

Until it's found. I don't want it shorting something out. Heck, one of the first things I do with a new project game is removing all the loose parts that have fallen or been left in the cabinet, and thoroughly inspecting the playfield top and bottom for any parts lodged in assemblies or wiring.

Sometimes it helps to change your viewing angle. If you're working on one side of the machine, go to the other side. If you're sitting, then stand up. If you're standing, then get on a stool or chair. A telescoping magnet can help in some cases. If you're still having a hard time finding something, try lifting and shaking the playfield; the part may come loose, and if not, you might be able to hear it move. Sometimes, just probing around with your hands or tools may help even if you can't see the part.

One tip that I've found particularly helpful is that when something drops, don't try to catch it. Instead, follow it with your eyes so you can tell where it ends up. A funny bounce might send it off in another direction and if you're not watching it, you might end up spending an hour looking for the part in completely the wrong place. If you're trying to catch it and miss, then you will also likely miss where the part actually lands.

Exactly, if you are cross-eyed or have blurred vision, put the booze away.
-mof

About 2 minutes.

Less if I have the part I dropped easily accessible in a parts bin.

Life is too short.

It’s crazy how far a part can fly when it hits something, or the places it can come to rest. Respect for the people that put out towels after lifting the pf to work on something so parts don’t go flying. I don’t have that discipline yet, and just Hope nuts and screws land close to the bass speaker magnet and get stuck

Best outcome. That would never happen to me though,ever!

Magnet on a stick with a torch (flashlight) is what I do - good times!!

I try to do a risk assessment. If I think there‘s a realistic chance it could cause a short or other damage I‘ll keep looking. If not, after 10-15 minutes search, I‘ll take another part.

I’m a firm believer that things just don’t go missing. It’s got to be somewhere, I’ll look till I find it.

As long as it takes. Sometimes this can kill a nice session where I'm really chugging along. I also find that watching the piece fall and land is better than trying to catch it.

I like my magnet tool for finding metal things