[R-390] R-390A PTO ground strap screw

[Charles P. Steinmetz]

Bob wrote:

 > I took the ground strap off that touches the shaft to clean it and
 > dropped one of the little screws and lock washers onto the floor to
 > be found in maybe a few years.

I used bright white polyamide epoxy (with a matting agent -- not full 
gloss) on my [concrete] shop floor.  Makes it easy to clean, and easy 
to spot anything that falls.  If I had a wood floor, I'd put down 
bright white linoleum sheets (not tiles -- too many cracks for things 
to fall into).  I have, in the past, put several magnetic bench mats 
on the floor where parts tend to land, but of course that only helps 
for ferromagnetic parts, and only if they land on a mat.

A related point -- I had the contractor install twice as many light 
fixtures as he had planned (he told me he had already doubled the 
number he would use for a kitchen, which he makes the brightest room 
in a residence).  24, 40 watt fluorescent tubes in a 9' x 15' room 
with a 10' ceiling.  Walls, ceiling, and floor are all bright (matte) 
white, which gives a beautiful, shadowless light everywhere.  Best 
shop lighting I've ever had.  I have some task lights, but don't need 
to use them often, even to find stuff on the floor.

Finally, I use sturdy (8 mil or thicker), clear plastic storage bags 
large enough to contain the item I'm working on if I'm really 
concerned about losing tiny parts.  Industrial suppliers have them 
large enough to contain whole radios, if need be.  I use these to 
keep dust off equipment that is just sitting on a shelf, as well, 
including disassembled equipment that is waiting for parts or waiting 
for inspiration.

None of these tricks is very expensive -- anyone can use them to make 
their life easier.

Best regards,

Charles