Pro tip: A quick sketch before taking things apart saves so much time

I was fixing a landing gear mechanism and almost mixed up the parts putting it back. Now I make a fast pencil drawing of how everything fits before I start, and it really helps. How do you keep track of parts during big jobs?

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3 Comments

reed.vera7mo ago

Wish I'd done that before my last fix, I ended up with extra screws like some kind of magic trick. Solid point from @sean_craig71 about photos, my phone gallery is just pictures of parts now.

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torres.mary7mo ago

Tape screws to cardboard in order, saved me from that spare parts magic show.

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sean_craig717mo ago

That sketch idea is genius, honestly. I've been in that same spot with a bike gear assembly, parts everywhere. My go-to is using little containers like old ice cube trays for screws and bits. It keeps everything sorted by step. Taking a phone picture before you start can be a lifesaver too. Makes reassembly feel less like a puzzle and more like following a map.

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