I have recently been working on my layout with Atlas switches. The switches are mounted vertically and I found it difficult to get the screws in the switches (around the wires) without dropping many screws - I spent a lot of time on my knees looking for dropped screws and that is not easy for an Eighty year old. Am I the only one or one a few that spends more time looking for dropped screws, etc. than I would like to do or is that is just part of model railroading?
I have spent my time on the floor too and I’m just a young guy of 75. When I am doing a lot of small work I put a white cloth under the work like a jewler’s apron would be. It helps.
I use a magnetic screwdriver.
I use screw holding screwdrivers, I have a couple for straight screws and a couple for philips screws. A couple have a clamp that clamps around the head of the screw and a couple that have the split shaft that misaligns to hold the slot in the head of the screw.
Magnetic screwdrivers will not work with stainless steel screws which some have found out. Can happen.
Some people use bees wax.
Rich
I’ve been known to CA glue screws to the screwdriver, then break the screwdriver free after the screw is in place.
If you can follow the screw / part dropped as its falling then it is easier to find. I once dropped a part and looked for over an hour for it. It didn’t hit the ground but stuck to my shoe lace. I found it when I untied my shoe. For some strange reason dropping something and not finding it is still not as bad as setting it down and not finding it. That is happening at an alarming frequency to me.
Pete
I have some small but strong whole earth magnets left over form m slot cars days. I use them for holding the screws and I happen to have a metal top desk from WW II so that works out real well. When I need to, I places one of the magnets on the shank of the screw driver to hold the screw.
Cuda Ken
I think it is called, Age Activated ADD. I have it.
Rich
Though a screw holding screwdriver is better, in most cases, I have used a “gripster” from Micro-Mark to hold small screws enough to get them started in places where the screw holders get in the way. Once started, I switch to a screwdriver.
Good luck,
Richard
Phil!
CA. What a great suggestion! I have a ‘gripper’ but it doesn’t hold the screws all that well. Next time the air is blue I think I will follow your advice.
Thanks
Dave
Use spade connectors on the end of the wire, start the screw, then slide the spade connector behind the screw head OR:
Work on the floor like I do…If you drop something, you’re already there! [(-D]
One six letter word comes to mind. M-A-G-N-E-T. Works great for me.
Being a mechanic for more years then I care to admit to I have learned a few tricks along the way, As far as holding screws in place on the tip of a screw driver take a small piece of paper and put it between the tip of the screw driver and the head of the screw. When you push the screw driver into the screw head the paper acts as a wedge enough to hold it in place until you get the screw started. Is there any reason why you can’t put the screws in place before you mount the switch machines? When it comes to finding lost screws i Have a dedicated vacuum cleaner pipe just for such happy occasions. After you choice of cuss word take one of your wife’s or significant others old stockings and slip it over the end of the vacuum pipe,the stocking will prevent anything from getting sucked into the vacuum it self. a couple of rubber bands should work find now just vacuum a nice search area where you were working. You may want to extend your search area to encompass the surrounding counties as we all have experienced those little suckers have a way of traveling . This is also how I clean my layout with out traumatizing any of it’s residents or permanently removing small pieces such as mail boxes, fire hydrants , dog, children chickens etc.
Oh and FYI this same method can be used if anyone decides to drop anything like a “WEDDING RING” down the bathroom sink, don’t ask me how I know this works please, just remember to refill the trap with water so you don’t stink up the house.
Another solution is to place a short length of soda straw on the screwdriver tblade to hold the screw in place when you start it in the hole.A little “Goo” can be used to keep the straw in place. Once started, use another screwdriver to finish screwing down tight.
I can’t believe nobody has told Rich to mind his OWN bees wax …
I can’t believe nobody has told Rich to mind his OWN bees wax …
i use one of the screw holder like this one.
Besides magnetic screwdrivers, and such project I attempt I do over a cake pan. If anything falls, it will fall into the pan and I can retrieve it easily.
I may be fairly young, but my back and knees tell me otherwise, so the less time I spned on them, the better.
Petroleum jelly also works.
Rich
Its more like age activated minus instead of ADD. [(-D]
Pete