Keeping track of tiny screws during a repair

The methods, cheapest first

• Tape map — a strip of masking tape on the bench, screws pressed on in the same layout as the device, with pencil notes.
• Printed screw mat — a paper outline of the device you place screws onto. Free to print, works well for phones.
• Magnetic project mat with a marker — draw the layout, screws stay put even if the mat is nudged.
• Sectioned tray or pill organiser — one compartment per step, numbered in the order you removed them.
• Small zip bags labelled by step — best if the repair spans more than one day.

Photograph as you go

Take a photo before every step with your phone. It costs seconds and answers 'which way round did that bracket sit' an hour later.

Reassembly order

Start every screw by hand, turning anti-clockwise first until you feel a small click. That is the thread finding its start, and it prevents cross-threading.

Fit all screws loosely, then tighten in a criss-cross pattern so a cover sits evenly.

Building a spares stock

An assorted metric box covering M1.6, M2, M2.5 and M3 in a few lengths handles most electronics. Keep it sorted by size, not colour — a black oxide M2 and M2.5 look identical in a heap.

Common questions

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