Sell me this

by | Jun 25, 2012

Solution:

A metal board, similar to a whiteboard. Strongly magnetized so that nuts and bolts stick to it. Grease pen to label nuts according to where they came from.

Problem:

While doing an engine swap on a 1984 Corolla hatchback this weekend, I kept misplacing bolts. As much as I was careful to put them in a safe place or screw them back onto the motor, sometimes I would put bolts from one engine part in the same spot as nearly identical, but much higher grade, bolts from a different part. They would get mixed up. I want a better way to organize these things, so as to keep my work area orderly and keep track of pieces, for best results when putting the car back together.

Potential issues:

  • The board will be quite heavy, so it will need a sturdy backing, and will have to be mounted firmly.
  • The magnets must be quite strong, so that everything doesn’t fall off in a massive mess if it gets jostled (Think about slamming the refrigerator door).
  • Magnets are weird as all get out and often causeĀ unforeseenĀ problems.

Anything else? Let me know in the comments.

I would pay $50 for this item. A good size for me would be 100cm by 60cm.