A small parts tray keeps screws, clips and springs in one place while you work, so nothing rolls under the bench. The trick is to use it the same way every time. These steps show a simple routine for repairs, builds and take-apart jobs.
Choose the Right Tray
Choose a tray with raised edges, a non-slip base and, if possible, dividers. A magnetic tray helps with steel screws, but keep it away from electronics, watches and anything the maker warns about. For tiny parts, a shallow muffin tin or egg carton also works.
Routine for Taking Things Apart
- Clear your bench and place the tray on a flat spot, away from the edge.
- Take a photo of the item before removing anything.
- Label each section of the tray, or each compartment, by step or by area of the item.
- Place screws in the section for the step you are on.
- Keep different lengths separate, since they often are not interchangeable.
- Cover the tray or move it aside when you are not working to prevent spills.
Routine for Putting Things Back Together
- Work in reverse order of removal.
- Take parts from the tray one section at a time.
- Check against your photos and the maker’s manual if you have one.
- Do not force any screw. If it does not fit, check you have the right one.
Handy Extras
- A strip of tape with sticky side up can hold flat parts in order.
- A lidded container is useful for carrying parts between rooms.
- A small light helps you find dropped parts.
- Keep a roll of masking tape and a pen with the tray for labels.
Tray Options at a Glance
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic tray | Steel screws | Electronics and non-steel parts |
| Divided box | Many parts types | Lids that pop open |
| Muffin tin | Step-by-step jobs | Tilting on uneven benches |
When the Job Spans Several Days
If you must leave a project and come back, move the whole tray into a lidded box, write the project name and date on the lid, and keep your photos with it. Add a note about which step you reached. When you return, you will know where to continue without guessing.
Keep the tray away from children and pets, since small parts can be a hazard.
Sorting Systems That Work for Different Jobs
How you divide a tray depends on the job. For a simple repair with a handful of screws, one compartment per step is enough. For a larger take-apart, such as an appliance or a piece of furniture, think in terms of assemblies: all the screws from the back panel go in one section, those from the base in another. Sorting by location is often more helpful than sorting by size, because you can see where a screw belongs when you put it back.
A second approach is sorting by order. Number the compartments in the order you remove things, and put each group in its number. When reassembling, you simply work backwards through the numbers. This is easy to follow and works well with muffin tins or egg cartons. For jobs where parts look alike, add a note on tape beside each compartment about where the group came from, such as left side, hinge side or inside lid.
Some people prefer to sort by type and note locations separately. That can work if you are good at keeping notes, but it is easier to make mistakes with similar screws. Whichever system you choose, stay consistent through the whole job and keep the layout of the tray the same as the layout of the item where you can. Mirroring the item, for example putting left-side screws on the left, makes the reverse process more intuitive.
Documenting As You Go
A tray works best when paired with records. Photographs are the fastest way to capture how something looked before you touched it. Take wide shots to show the overall layout, then close-ups of cable routes, spring positions, washers and any marks. Take another photo each time you remove a major assembly, so you have a step-by-step record. Check that the images are in focus and well lit, since a blurry photo is no help later.
Written notes add details photos miss. Note the direction a part faced, which hole a cable ran through, how tight a screw felt, and anything that seemed unusual such as a broken clip or a missing screw. A pen and masking tape or a small notebook works well. For electrical or delicate items, short voice recordings or a video of the disassembly may help, as long as you can replay them at the bench.
- Photograph before, during and after each stage.
- Label cables and connectors with tape before unplugging them.
- Draw a quick sketch if the layout is complicated.
- Keep the photos and notes with the tray if you store it.
If a service manual or exploded diagram exists for the item, check it against your photos. Follow the maker’s instructions for safety, particularly for items that plug into the mains or contain batteries.
Handling Tiny, Springy and Fragile Parts
Some parts need special care. Tiny screws, as found in eyeglasses, small electronics or watches, are easy to lose and to confuse. Use a shallow tray with a light-colored lining so dark parts show up, and work over a clean, flat surface with a lip or a cloth that stops things bouncing. A small tray placed inside a larger one gives a second chance for anything that escapes.
Springs, clips and washers can fly away when released. Hold them with a finger or a cloth when you remove them, and place them straight into a lidded section. Photograph their orientation, since springs and washers often need to go back a certain way. Thin parts such as gaskets, shims and spacers can bend or tear if stacked carelessly, so lay them flat, ideally between sheets of paper or card with a note on where they belong.
Delicate items such as plastic clips or circuit boards should not sit with loose metal screws, which can scratch or short them. Use a separate padded dish. Keep static-sensitive parts in the protective bag they came in, and follow the item maker’s guidance on handling. For items with fluids such as oil, grease or batteries, wear gloves and eye protection as the manual says, and keep oily parts away from the rest so they do not smear everything. Clean parts before you put them back, and note any that look worn or damaged so you can replace them.
Choosing Between Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Trays
A magnetic tray holds steel screws and bits in place, even if you bump the bench, which is very handy for vehicle and machine work. It is less useful for non-magnetic parts such as brass, aluminum or plastic, which will slide around freely. A magnet can also magnetize small steel tools, which may or may not matter to you, and the magnetic field can affect certain components. Keep magnetic trays away from watches, hard drives, credit cards, medical devices and sensitive electronics, and follow the warnings that come with the tray.
A non-magnetic tray with dividers suits mixed materials and electronics. Rubberized or silicone mats with a grid of compartments are also popular because parts do not roll, and they can be folded or washed. Lidded organizers keep small parts safe on the move but are less convenient for working directly from. If you need both, use a magnetic tray for steel fasteners and a divided box for everything else.
Consider the size of the tray against your bench. A tray that is too large takes up work space, while one that is too small causes crowding and mixing. Choose something with a stable base, raised edges and enough compartments for the usual jobs. For travel and on-site work, a tray with a lid or a clip-on cover prevents spills in a bag or car.
Clean-Up and Keeping a Reserve Afterwards
When the job is finished, check that the tray is empty or that every leftover part has an explanation. A spare screw after reassembly may mean a missed step, so compare against your photos before you close the item up for good. If a part is left, find where it belongs or decide whether it was an original extra. Do not simply drop mystery parts into a general drawer without a note.
Clean parts you want to keep, particularly when they were removed from oily or dirty places. A wipe with a clean cloth is often enough, and an appropriate cleaner can be used for heavier grime, following the product’s safety instructions. Let parts dry before storing them to prevent rust.
Build a small reserve of fasteners over time. Salvaged screws, bolts and washers from old projects can be sorted into labeled containers by type and size. A spare supply makes later repairs easier, and a magnet or a thread gauge helps identify types. Replace stripped, bent or corroded fasteners with matching new ones rather than forcing them back in. Wipe down the tray, empty and rinse it if it is washable, and store it where you can find it. A routine of checking, cleaning and putting things away makes the next job start more smoothly.
FAQ
What if I lose a part?
Check the floor with a flashlight and a magnet where suitable. If it stays missing, look for a replacement from the maker or a local supplier.
Do I need a tray for small jobs?
Even a saucer helps. It takes seconds and avoids long searches.
What is the best way to keep track of different screw lengths?
Give each length its own compartment, and note where each group came from. If they look alike, mark the compartment with tape and a number or location, and take a close-up photo to match later.
Should I use a magnetic tray for electronics work?
Be careful. Strong magnets can affect some components and storage media. Use a non-magnetic divided tray unless the device maker says otherwise.
How can I stop parts rolling off a tray?
Choose a tray with raised edges, work on a lipped mat or cloth and keep the tray away from the bench edge. Silicone mats and lidded boxes also help.
Is there a simple way to remember where cables go?
Photograph the connections and label each cable and its socket with matching tape marks. Keep the labels until the job is complete and everything is tested.
What should I do with leftover screws after reassembly?
Check your photos and the manual before deciding. Spare screws can mean a missed step or an original extra. Do not assume it is safe to leave one out.
Can I use food containers for small parts?
For general use, yes, such as a muffin tin or small dishes, but keep them separate from food use and out of reach of children and pets. Label them so they are not mixed up with kitchen items.
The Short Version
Use a bordered tray, photograph the item first, sort parts by step, and reverse the order on reassembly. Keep it away from electronics if magnetic.