This is not the biggest problem the world faces but I found retrieving small screws & washers from the media to be cumbersome. The use of a magnetic wand I found works terrific by wiping it through the media and the screws & washers are propelled and cling to the magnet as though their lives depended on it-and it works 100% on my experience.
Quoted from Wolfmarsh:Is that mulch?
Thinking the same thing. ↑
I duct taped two hard drive magnets to a dowel. Since they are *very* strong magnets, it's been fairly effective so far.
I also made a strainer using a soda bottle, cut off the top, and drilled a bunch of 3/16" holes in the bottom. That was the largest size I could use since I had some really tiny nuts and washers in my tumbler at the time.
Not sure what pet stores you have down under? 
But something like this is what you seek → http://www.amazingamazon.com.au/desert-blend-walnut-lizards.html
Quoted from Blairally:They sell granulated walnut shells at harbor freight, much finer and you can use a regular colander to strain it out with, way easier method
....and what do you estimate the freight cost to Australia would be?? Walnut shell is not commonly available in Australia as apparently it is in the US.
Quoted from wayner:....and what do you estimate the freight cost to Australia would be?? Walnut shell is not commonly available in Australia as apparently it is in the US.
Whatever shell that "mulch" is - could you perhaps obtain a coffee grinder and grind it yourself? Just a thought.
Try a pet shop. They often stock it as reptile bedding. Walnut grain or Corn on the Cob grain will do.
Good advice wiredoug. Radum is where I actually purchased the course product (the only Australian supplier I am aware of) because fine was not available at the time. I will try them again-thks.
Quoted from wayout440:Whatever shell that "mulch" is - could you perhaps obtain a coffee grinder and grind it yourself? Just a thought.
.
The ref to 'mulch' was I assume meant to be a funny line from Wolfmarsh-it is 'walnut shell' and it works fine
(excuse the pun) but I take & appreciate the advice on the desirability of ground shells.
I use the magnet wand as well. The thing is a great tool for working on pins and retrieving hardware from media, cabinets, etc...its indispensable.
I've use reptile bedding with great results. Its finer and works on smaller pieces better.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OQRGF2
I've used rice as well. It is actually good at holding a polish if using one, but its softer so really only good for finish polishing.
I used Lymans walnut substitute. It only worked OK and tended to leave the redish dust everywhere.
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Eugene, OR
mine is more of a large ground coffee sizing.
Pensnett, Brierley Hill, Uk
Melbourne