I've got a flashlight I call my "Saint Anthony Flashlight*" which I use to look for escaped small parts. Scanning the floor in a search pattern with your attention focused exclusively on the narrow beam helps, even in full daylight.
I sometimes (not always) disassemble things I'm not familiar with under a clear plastic dry cleaner bag. One time I wished I had done so was when the gas tappet on an SKS let go and flew across the room. Looked and looked, finally discovered a black mark on the wall where it hit, and that clue narrowed down the search area a bit.
I've also used one of those 110VAC videotape bulk eraser electromagnets to locate escaped parts. I don't even know if they sell those anymore, but I've kept one I bought a long time ago for part-finding and demagnetizing tools like pliers. Nice thing about it is when it picks up even a small part, you can hear it buzz.
Oh, hey, by the way, speaking of springs, you haven't lived until a mainspring from a seven-day clock lets go. Almost like a hand grenade.
You say you doubt me about the clock mainsprings? Google "GERMAN TIME BOMB CLOCK" for a (somewhat extreme) example.
Time bomb clock:
Terry, 230RN
* Saint Anthony is, or used to be, or is commonly thought to be, the patron saint of finding lost articles.