Doors and Windows - Problem with door catch in door.

It's been so long since I've visited here that either my old username was purged or I simply forgot it. Either way, hello everyone and I hope to find some help here.

I have a set of french doors in the master bedroom leading to the master bath. They use ball catches on the top of the doors. Well, today I found one of the brass balls on the floor. Having my ladder handy, I got on it and looked on top and saw a small hole that once contained whatever screw held the ball in place. I take a look at the other door and in process of seeing how it works, managed to unscrew THAT ball as well, dropping THAT screw into the door as well. When I shake the doors, I hear what I assume are the screws for the catch.

How can I get them out of there? The small holes at the top are square. If I pull the pins on the door and flip them upside down, what are the chances of the screw coming out (or whatever is in there)? How about removing the dummy knobs.

Thanks for any help. My wife almost pushed me off the ladder when she noticed I screwed up the second door. I need to get this fixed.

The balls are held in, as you found out, with a screw ring with notches on either side to allow for adjustment. I'm not sure of the brand you have, as some have rectangular base plates, and some just use a round hole. I prefer the ones with the base plates. I would remove one complete unit, use a magnetized screwdriver or drill tip to fish out the screws, or whatever dropped down, and go the the store to buy new units. After some time, and vibration, the ball rings tend to loosen up. Either that, or they lodge themselves so tight that you can't adjust them, so go figure.