Small parts go wherever

[Woodchipper]

We are all aware of Murphy's Law. In pen making, the law dictates any pen part will hit the floor and either bounce or roll into the most inconvenient place in the shop. I got the idea of placing a towel on the bench while assembling pens. Photo attached.

 

[bugradx2]

I use a white towel for the exact same reason although I use a larger one because I know my ability to spill things. Makes the springs nice and visible too.

 

[JohnU]

Been there too. I have a small box similar to the Majestic kit box, that I use to dump the parts in. I used to use a magnetic dish from harbor freight but the square box is easier than the round dish.

 

[sorcerertd]

I always keep bubble wrap on the bench. Things don't usually escape from all the little valleys in it. @JohnU, doesn't HF still have the rectangle magnetic dishes? I have those round ones everywhere (too many partially finished projects! LOL)

 

[randyrls]

OCD kicked in and I checked and yes the pen parts are slightly magnetic. I use a Chinet bowl with a section of paper towel in bottom. It holds the bushings and parts.

 

[Woodchipper]

The magnetic tool keepers from Harbor Freight are great. Now they have different sizes for big parts for cars, lawnmowers, etc. Wife uses one for straight pins in her sewing room.

 

[leehljp]

When I used mandrels, that happened all the time with the little spacers. I absolutely hated that. That was a small bit that drove me to TBC where they were/are not used or needed. I am even more appreciative of TBC now as I age and become more bumble fingered!