Originally Posted by
jimmuller
Here are two quick hints for those of you who, like myself, tend to drop small parts, nuts, washers, etc. When looking for them, hold a flashlight very close to or touching the floor and sweep it back and forth. Also hold you head down at floor level as you sweep your eyes. Small things are very easy to see that way because you reduce the search problem from two dimensions to one.
Mechanic's magnet. Sweep it under furniture, cabinets, etc. You'd be surprised at the things you can pick up this way!
Both great tips - also, place an old soft cloth bed sheet, curtain, large towel or similar rumpled up loosely on the floor under and around the work stand or bike. If something falls off it's not going to bounce off the soft cloth or be able to roll, normally just sinks into the folds of cloth where it's easy to find. This also helps to keep the floor clean!