Author Topic: Lost Parts (Read 2511 times)

n stephenson · « **on:** June 23, 2018, 04:24:05 PM »

Many folks probably already do this , but for the newcomer here is a shop tip. I don`t think anyone that has built a rifle hasn't dropped at least one part "usually the tiniest , hard to find part" Flies , etc. , into the "black hole" never to be seen again. I have found the easiest way to find these runaway parts for me , is with a bright flashlight held at a low angle . These days you can purchase a VERY powerful small flashlight for just a little money. I keep one on the back of my bench , and while not completely foolproof , it really comes in handy. It seems that being able to move it around at different angles , will sometimes illuminate , those little pieces that are the best at hiding.

Nate

stubshaft · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2018, 07:53:29 PM »

That and a strong magnet work for me. Of course you find the missing part 30 seconds after the replacement part arrives...

hanshi · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2018, 09:38:03 PM »

Both "flashlight scanning" and "magnet sweeping" work like a charm, usually. I've been able to find teeny tiny objects with these methods; but I also know for a fact some objects can "de-materialize" and later "re-materialize" far from the scene.

PPatch · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2018, 10:18:09 PM »

The flashlight trick is a good one Nate. I also keep the floor swept about my bench when working with small parts.

dave

okieboy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2018, 12:06:39 AM »

Good trick. My magnet sweeping always turns up more than I expected.

WadePatton · « **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2018, 12:32:21 AM »

Quote from: stubshaft on June 23, 2018, 07:53:29 PM

That and a strong magnet work for me. Of course you find the missing part 30 seconds after the replacement part arrives...

Last month: Within an hour or so of placing an order for lost parts to a pressure washer, Mom went to the shed and opened up the locker that had the parts. And now she has spares.

Yup, flashlight, many angles and a magnet-which is why we should (but rarely do) keep our floor relatively clear of iron/steel filings. They make a magnet all kinda nasty right away.

Hank*in*WV · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2018, 01:39:06 AM »

Put your magnet in a ziplock bag to keep it clean.

dogcatcher · « **Reply #7 on:** June 24, 2018, 01:46:42 AM »

I have a piece of tight weave kitchen carpet on my workbench. The carpet doesn't let stuff bounce or roll like a wood topped bench does, it also helps to protect the finish while working on a gun. A sewing machine repairman taught me that trick, he was visiting one day and saw me remove a small screw that bounced on the floor. As I was looking for it, he said he would be right back, and brought me a piece of carpet.

BarryE · « **Reply #8 on:** June 24, 2018, 03:00:27 AM »

Good tips. I use a magnetized dish like mechanics use on the rear of my vise to keep small parts. Screws, pins, etc. The other day I put the trigger and trigger plate in it. Two days later I went to get the trigger and it was gone. What the ….. I searched the work bench, floor, bins, boxes, pockets, and anywhere it might have transported to. No luck. I started to work on another trigger because it was now hopelessly lost. I just happened to walk around the rear of my moveable vice stand and there the trigger was... stuck on the bottom and outside of the dish. Nothing is foolproof!

Ky-Flinter · « **Reply #9 on:** June 24, 2018, 04:48:09 AM »

Quote from: Hank*in*WV on June 24, 2018, 01:39:06 AM

Put your magnet in a ziplock bag to keep it clean.

Thanks Hank. Another great tip.

-Ron

Goo · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2018, 05:38:45 AM »

Trash cans in the shop should have lids! cant tell you how many people underestimate the probability of parts and tools ending up in the trash can un noticed.

Bill Raby · « **Reply #11 on:** June 24, 2018, 06:30:37 AM »

Its under the workbench right up against the wall and behind the dust bunnies. Any time I drop something in the workshop that is where it always goes.

fm tim · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2018, 02:54:54 AM »

Brownells used to carry the magnetized dishes that BarryE mentions. VERY helpful.

Mauser06 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2018, 04:08:49 AM »

Great tips Nate and Hank!

I am guilty of not sweeping the floor or cleaning the bench off often...makes finding anything small a chore...lol.

The plastic bag trick will be great! Along with wood dust and shavings, I have brass and steel filings on the floor...lol

FDR · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2018, 04:46:53 AM »

Quote from: fm tim on June 25, 2018, 02:54:54 AM

Brownells used to carry the magnetized dishes that BarryE mentions. VERY helpful.

Harbor Freight has the magnetized dishes and sometimes they are free with any purchase and the right coupon.

Fred

bjmac · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2018, 05:07:46 PM »

Simply put a refrigerator magnet on the bottom of a tuna can and ...voila! Instant magnetic parts can.

mountainman70 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2018, 04:36:39 AM »

Quote from: bjmac on June 25, 2018, 05:07:46 PM

Simply put a refrigerator magnet on the bottom of a tuna can and ...voila! Instant magnetic parts can.

I 'm Charlie the Tuna,and I approve this message !!! lol. All these good Hints from Heloise .
The pentatant builder spends a lot of time on his knees,fo sho.

Dave

Craig Wilcox · « **Reply #17 on:** June 26, 2018, 06:28:51 AM »

No lost parts/pieces from this build - - - - yet!

Tools? I am constantly looking for a tool that was just there!

I think that Shop Dog Sunny makes off with them, and buries them out in the woods. Then, after getting a good doggie laugh for herself while she watches me search, quietly returns them. Sneaky yellow Lab!

Gun_Nut_73 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 26, 2018, 06:51:23 AM »

Harbor Freight carries magnetized dishes in a few different sizes. I use one when working on a firearm or my car.

Dave R · « **Reply #19 on:** June 26, 2018, 11:11:09 AM »

i have considered using a magnetized dish for parts however have wondered how lock and set trigger parts react to being magnetized during actual functioning of these magnetized components? Will these components operate slower or will there be an adverse effect??? $:-\$

Old Ford2 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 26, 2018, 02:51:05 PM »

. I also keep the floor swept about my bench when working with small parts.

dave
[/quote]
You SWEEP THE FLOOR!

My wife would think that I am up to something..........like buying another gun.
Really!

Fred

BarryE · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2018, 03:12:01 PM »

Offline Dave R
Hero Member
*****

"i have considered using a magnetized dish for parts however have wondered how lock and set trigger parts react to being magnetized during actual functioning of these magnetized components? Will these components operate slower or will there be an adverse effect??? $:-\$ "

I have been using a magnetized dish for quite a while and other than parts suck up steel shavings I can find no ill effect in their operation.

Turtle · « **Reply #22 on:** June 26, 2018, 04:14:56 PM »

The only part that the operation seems likely to be affected by being magnetized is the fly--which is also my most lost part. Thay are stainless though--aren't they?

WadePatton · « **Reply #23 on:** June 26, 2018, 05:00:16 PM »

Anyone who'd rather not magnetize a small part could use poster putty to hold any small part -any where you stick it.

Since I started using it for graver tip cleaning, I've found it real handy to have around. Heck I've even stuck paper to the wall with some. hooda thunkit?

Chowmi · « **Reply #24 on:** June 27, 2018, 08:44:14 AM »

I have a Tupperware plastic box that holds all the parts for each gun I am working on. Every part goes in that box whenever it comes out of the gun.
If I take the lock apart, then the fly gets folded into a piece of tape, and I write "fly" on it with a sharpie. I also tape the tumbler bolster screws into the bolster since sometimes they are of different length, etc etc.
I don't trim my barrel and ramrod pipe pins until the end of the build, so I don't care which one goes where until the end.

All these things are an attempt to keep control of the parts of the gun. If I drop one, well then, I guess all the above suggestions apply.

Norm

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Author Topic: Lost Parts (Read 2511 times)

n stephenson

Turtle