I don't know if this has been covered, and I have not yet finished viewing the terrific presentation by Jeff and Bruce, but I figured out how to grab the aforementioned item without reaching into the tube. Here goes: I got a piece of heavy duty string trimmer line (.65 I think) and cut it so that it would be able to project (with knot and loop) from the slinky to the capped edge of the tube. I then put a double knot at one end and a loop at the other. I then removed the tape that covers the hose clamp at one end. I then loosened the hose clap enough to insert the knotted end underneath (knot facing to where the back end of the tube would be when inside), and then re-tightened the hose clamp. This left the long strand with the loop end (for a convenient grab handle) at the outside edge. Now when I stuff the slinky back in the stiffness of the line allows it to stay extended toward the opening, and easily reachable because the loop is right there upon opening of the tube. 
This is where a picture would be worth a thousand words. And if anybody cannot figure out my garbled description, I will try to do that in the not-to-distant future. Try that Bruce! ;D It might save you a glove or two. P.S. : If you do this don't forget to replace the tape. It keeps the bolt and nut assembly from injuring you or the tube.
This is where a picture would be worth a thousand words. And if anybody cannot figure out my garbled description, I will try to do that in the not-to-distant future. Try that Bruce! ;D It might save you a glove or two.
P.S. : If you do this don't forget to replace the tape. It keeps the bolt and nut assembly from injuring you or the tube. 
