Hi all,

Like a lot of modellers I love to hear about any useful tips that might be helpful in making my hobby easier or more enjoyable, so I thought that I might share with you, my own system for keeping all those little screws safe in one place until needed and also a way of making them easily accessible with a reduced risk of losing them to the carpet monster!!

I was trying to come up with the best way of storing them but didn't want to spend too much money on a solution and was fiddling with an elastic band at the time when it occurred to me that the answer was already in my hand!! This is how you do it:

Cut an elastic band and open it out. Using a sharp tool make the same number of holes as per the screws for each weekly issue. Then insert the screws in number and type order into the holes along the band. Then using a fine permanent marker pen write the issue number and screw type details on the band after the last screw, then cut off the band at the end. Store in a partitioned box until needed. Hey presto a neat and tidy solution to the problem that can be done quickly every week after the building is finished and the instructions tell you to store the rest of the screws for later in the build !!

The beauty of this system is that the inherent elasticity of the rubber band holds the tiny screws gently but secure without damaging the threads and the screws are easily pushed out when needed. It is also very flexible for storing.

The ID code I use on each band is as follows:

For example: 27:Asx2:Fbx5

Which stands for: Issue 27, type'A'(silver) x 2, type 'F' (black) x 5

A simple and effective filing system for all those little screws and it is a quick and simple matter of finding the correct band for the relevant screws when in a later issue it says to use (for example) the 'type F screws' from issue 27, etc!!

Do you have a screw loose?? Then try my system .... it works!!

Regards ... Kev.

Hi Jerry,



Your welcome mate

Regards ... Kev.

Hi, (is it Ian?)



I too used the little bags and taped them up as you have, but I found it a bit awkward to remove a single screw without struggling, as they are so small and occasionally I would end up with more than one go bouncing across the bench. I wanted something a bit more efficient and hassle free and with this method it is easy to select the correct band and remove just one screw at a time whilst the others stay put!! Plus, you can get a lot of different issues in a small box because the bands aren't as stiff as lots of little bags. Glad you like my thinking though and appreciate your comments.

Regards ... Kev.

Hi Mike,

Glad you like it mate, thanks for the comment.

Regards ... Kev.

Hi, it sounds good but I use a small block of balsa wood about 150x100x20mm, punch some holes slip different size screws into holes, apply a little drop of WD40 and then you can remove screws with tweezers ready for use, simple

I have a small plastic box with a piece of polystyrene in which I just push screws into in a line and wright next to them easy peasy.

Hi All, the reason for my balsa method is because I have to do most of my modelling with one hand due to my disability.

Tony

It just takes a little longer, but Ive been doing this stuff for years and have found ways of adapting. My language choice though has meant I have to be left on my own! Modelling is the one thing that keeps me sane after all what else would I do all day.