r/USMhaller

I’m taking apart a used USM piece. It’s a 2x5 shelf, with six extension drawers. Pulling it apart has been much more challenging anticipated. Almost every connector has stuck (and come apart in two pieces / Is this normal?). But I’m almost done and have two problems:

1. I hit two sets of slotted tubes. In the pic, are these the built in connectors

at the bottom of the slotted tubes

1. ? What tool can I use to loosen/tighten them through the slot?
2. I had two of the screw parts of the connectors fall down the pipes

(not the slotted pipes)

1. and get jammed. Any tips for getting them out? The other separated screw pieces came out with a

2. magnetized hex wrench, but these won’t.