Trying not to lose those little parts

you can get magnetic parts trays almost for free from Hazard Fraught.

Magnetic parts trays are must on the work bench.

The main cause of lost parts, IMO, is that spring-loaded ones tend to fly across the room, never to be seen again. You can prevent this by doing your assembly/disassembly of small parts within a clear plastic bag. At least this will keep them from flying.

AlexanderA said:

The main cause of lost parts, IMO, is that spring-loaded ones tend to fly across the room, never to be seen again. You can prevent this by doing your assembly/disassembly of small parts within a clear plastic bag. At least this will keep them from flying.

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This. Dry cleaning bags work well for larger objects.

AlexanderA said:

The main cause of lost parts, IMO, is that spring-loaded ones tend to fly across the room, never to be seen again. You can prevent this by doing your assembly/disassembly of small parts within a clear plastic bag. At least this will keep them from flying.

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or have a clean white room with no carpet. yes, just a dream it is. I have probably a full AR parts kit in my carpet HAHA

If you have a tendency to loose springs & detents try assembling inside a large gallon Ziploc bag or under a clear plastic drop cloth. You can also use a cheap 1/4" clevis pin to install the pivot pin.

AK Hunter said:

You can also use a cheap 1/4" clevis pin to install the pivot pin.

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Done that. Try as you might, you're going to lose some of those pesky little detents. You probably should order a few extra (they're cheap) before undertaking an AR build.

Don't forget to look under the magnetic tray for your lost part.

I don't own many firearms (just enough...) and when I'm dis-assembling them for cleaning purposes (only - I know my limits...) I try to follow the same basic principles that I do when working on fishing reels (also an item with various small parts including an assortment of springs). I'm not always successful and have spent too much time down on the floor, tracking down one or the other small part that got away from me...

I long ago learned to make a point to order extras of the most common small parts when I'm doing repairs. Most of them aren't much money (in the fishing world) and having a small part or two on hand sure beats spending time trying to find this or that... Years ago some of my anglers would bring me buckets full of reels to be sorted out so I was always ordering this or that.. Having the basic small items in stock was always helpful...

I use a magnetic mat from Snap-On tools.
I have like 4 of these things!! They are great.

AK Hunter said:

If you have a tendency to loose springs & detents try assembling inside a large gallon Ziploc bag or under a clear plastic drop cloth. You can also use a cheap 1/4" clevis pin to install the pivot pin.

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you can do the same thing with only another pivot pin, or even the take down pin if you don't have a spare pivot pin. you put in from the left side just like this video and then just put the spring and detent in and then slide the regular pin in front of it and then take the other pin and push it in and push out the other pin.

weeniewawa said:

you can do the same thing with only another pivot pin, or even the take down pin if you don't have a spare pivot pin. you put in from the left side just like this video and then just put the spring and detent in and then slide the regular pin in front of it and then take the other pin and push it in and push out the other pin.

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Yep I have done it with an Allen wrench too but the $1.50 clevis pin makes it so easy.

AK Hunter said:

If you have a tendency to loose springs & detents try assembling inside a large gallon Ziploc bag or under a clear plastic drop cloth. You can also use a cheap 1/4" clevis pin to install the pivot pin.

Click to expand...

I went even cheaper and drilled an 1/8" hole into a 1/4" drill bit shank. Works just as good, and cost nothing.

I have 4 or 5 of the magnetic parts trays of varying sizes to hold on to stuff. They have paid for themselves in lost parts saved already.

I have some of the magnetic parts trays too. For longer term I put'em in empty Altoid boxes.

AlexanderA said:

The main cause of lost parts, IMO, is that spring-loaded ones tend to fly across the room, never to be seen again. You can prevent this by doing your assembly/disassembly of small parts within a clear plastic bag. At least this will keep them from flying.

Click to expand...

If I want to clean out the firing pin on my Beretta 92, if I don't take out and put the detent spring back working inside a bag, I'll lose the spring or pin every time. I haven't done it in a while, but - once you know which way a spring or part is going to go boing, works great and saves a lot of grief for sure.

tommy.duncan said:

I use a magnetic mat from Snap-On tools.
I have like 4 of these things!! They are great.

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Here's a natural question: can you buy them at Harbor Freight?

AlexanderA said:

Done that. Try as you might, you're going to lose some of those pesky little detents. You probably should order a few extra (they're cheap) before undertaking an AR build.

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The last PSA kit I bought had extra detent pins in the baggy containing the small lower parts....dont know if this was intentional or accidental, but Ill take 'em!

A telescoping magnetic pick up tool is a must have for the work bench too. Great for finding tiny springs and detents that launch across the room

CherokeeGunslinger said:

can you buy them at Harbor Freight?

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I am a fleet mechanic, i usually stay away from harbor freight.
They most likely sell something like this.

I have had a magnetic bowl and a magnet on a stick for years. They were left over from my days of working on paddle wheels and aerators on fish farms. I've changed a lot of electric motors standing in chest deep water. Both are useful for working on guns.

tommy.duncan said:

I am a fleet mechanic, i usually stay away from harbor freight.
They most likely sell something like this.

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Tommy-

I agree that Harbour Freight is not the place I want to buy quality tools and equipment. Better idea on where to buy quality tools?

tommy.duncan said:

I am a fleet mechanic, i usually stay away from harbor freight.
They most likely sell something like this.

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It was a joke. You know the joke about Dremels and amateur gunsmithing? Harbor Freight is in the same realm.

Harbor Freight works great though if you need a disposable tool where reliability isn't important.