Heck, you're a Dentist (or a wannabee). There ought to be a dental pick you can slide down over the top, into the hole of the washer, and slide it out. Haf to laff, make sure the LCA is as far down as it will go before putting the bar into it AND that the adjuster is backed out far enough to keep bolt from falling out.
As for kids picking up vocabulary: Auto shops are second class places to pick up a salty (not parent friendly) vocabulary. The winner in my book is any challenging golf course. Not only did I pick up vocabulary, I also learned the useful skill of how to avoid flying clubs and balls.
