What's a geek to do when his retractor fails?
Ah, I see there are some confused readers. We geeks often require access to electronically protected facilities. This usually means a badge reader of some sort. The badges are generally supplied with a clip, suitable for attaching to your collar or shirt pocket. But then you have to bend down or unclip the badge to scan it. Retractors are small mechanical devices -- essentially a string connected to a coil spring -- that allow you to pull the badge to the scanner without bending, and retract the badge to a comfortable location when you release it.
When mine broke, I could've just obtained a new one. But instead, I channelled my inner geek and took it apart, thus saving an artifact with priceless personal value. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures.
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