Well I am just wrapping up my four days off and go back to work tomorrow to start it all over again. I am almost looking forward to going back to work. I have a rather extensive collection of stainless steel hardware ranging from #2 up thru #10 hardware and then into 1/4-20, as well as some 5/16-18, 3/8, and 1/2 inch sizes. All sizes from 1/4-20 and smaller are stored in a parts cabinet with small pull out drawers, sixty of them. Everything is separated as to size, length and even flat washers, split lock washers, and star type lock washers, and nuts are all separated. There are even several drawers of brass hardware. I keep all this stainless and brass separated from normal plated steel stuff. I figure there is about 20 pounds or so and that is a LOT of little pieces!! Some time ago I was putting some antenna mast material up overhead in the shop and I somehow managed to upset the parts cabinet causing it to fall end over end off the bench and onto the floor face down.
IIRC I sat down and stared at it and felt a tear run down my cheek. Dejectedly I swept everything up together and dumped it all in a bucket. I spent the last four days sorting it all out again from morning 'till night and can now say I am done. THANK GOD!! What a job that was especially sorting the #10-24 from the #10-32 stuff. My eyes feel like they are ready to fall out and my fingers are grey from handling all the stainless hardware. Now all I have to do is get it back out to the shop again safe and sound and secure the cabinet to the bench so that NEVER EVER happens again. If it does I just know the guys in the white jackets will have to pay me a visit and present me with the coat with the wrap around sleeves while taking me to the rubber lined room.
