Parts Trays

[tiriaq]

Different companies sell magnetic parts trays - they reduce the possibility (probability?) of losing small parts.
Magnetic parts trays are easy to make. I use little cans like the ones used to package sardines, smoked fish, herrings, etc. They come in different shapes and sizes. Use JB Weld to bond a couple of super magnets (Amazon, Lee Valley) to the bottom of the can. My workbench has a steel top. The can stays put and the parts are secure inside.

 

[Suther]

I have a pair of the store-bought ones. Princess Auto often has them for a few bucks, I think my little one with $3 or $4. It lives on the side of my gun locker, currently has a few screws and a rear sight for a Lee Enfield, plus a random swivel stud from...???...

They're sure handy! Great for working on the car too, thats what my bigger one gets used for.

 

[tiriaq]

My shop's walls are steel paneled (instead of drywall, etc.). The trays can be attached to the walls, with the parts held in place. Off the bench top, yet in full view.

 

[Snider shooter]

I bought a few different sizes when Princess had them on sale. Money well spent. No more worry’s about parts rolling away.

 

[Aniest]

Many moons ago I won a draw here on CGN for a little yellow plastic parts tray that is 5in x 4in x 0.25in deep with three compartments. I bought a 2in super magnet that I put under it with some double-sided tape when I need to (the tape doesn't stick well to either the magnet or tray) and it works perfect, or I just tape the tray to the bench.

 

[B_noser]

I can see the advantage, but already have enough problems with unwanted magnetism at the bench. Need to keep a strip of duct tape hanging in a bench light to clean metal chips off cutting tools, etc. I use tin containers with lids and label them to remind me what the parts are for. Getting old sucks, but beats the alternative

 

[sean69]

I can see the advantage, but already have enough problems with unwanted magnetism at the bench. Need to keep a strip of duct tape hanging in a bench light to clean metal chips off cutting tools, etc. I use tin containers with lids and label them to remind me what the parts are for. Getting old sucks, but beats the alternative

I'm not a fan of anything magnetic either - small screws #1/#2 screws, grub screws etc magnetize real quick and make it a frustrating job getting them into tight spots when a screwdriver gets near them.

My biggest problem is carving chisels and gouges magnetizing and picking up random filings etc (small shop have to do metal and wood on the same bench)

In my opinion magnets = bad ... in a general sense.

That being said I do have several of those little trays, stuck to the side of the gym locker I use as chemical/flammable storage.... can't remember the last time I used one.

You can get them at princess auto for $3-$5

 

[DiMP]

I've looked at, but haven't purchased yet, those silicone parts trays that have magnetic sections on them. Currently I use the PA round trays, but one thing I like to do when I take down something for the first time is draw out a diagram of where the part goes and stick the piece with tape to that part of the drawing. If I had a flat, magnetic tray I could put the paper down on there and place the parts on top