I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?


Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.


What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

Oops...hit send by accident.

Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

R

On Jul 29, 10:48*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:

snip


Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

R

On Jul 29, 10:48*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:

snip


Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

Use a sheet metal screw instead of a wood screw and R's tip will work
even better.

Joe

On Jul 30, 12:00*am, Joe wrote:
On Jul 29, 10:48*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
snip

Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

Use a sheet metal screw instead of a wood screw and R's tip will work
even better.

Thanks for the pickup. I thought it, but the instructions didn't seem
to arrive at my fingertips. I think my pillow is calling me.

R

David Combs wrote:


What would YOU do?

I'd use a drywall screw on the end of the magnetic bit holder I have in both
of my electric drill motors.

It would be done in less time that it is taking me to write this message.

Jon

On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

#1 is the only one you'll need, but I'll toss out a few extras.

1- Use Scotch tape the hold screw to the screw driver tip.

2 - Use Velcro on the bottom of the can.

3 - Balance the screw on the tip of the screwdriver. Turn the can
upside down, screw the screw through the can. Holding the head against
the bottom of the can with the screwdrive, flip it over and put the
screw in the hole in the shelf. Screw it down.

4 - Stop being so clumsy.

I'd use a magnetic nutsetter, and zip screws. The sheet metals screws
HVAC guys use with six sided heads. But then, I've got the nut setter
and the zip screws already. This project is a good excuse to buy
yourself a magnetic nut setter or two. Think of the children, man!

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"RicodJour" wrote in message
...

Thanks for the pickup. I thought it, but the instructions didn't seem
to arrive at my fingertips. I think my pillow is calling me.

R

(David Combs) wrote:

I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

-snip-
Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.


$20 shouldn't break the bank- I'd buy a magnetic electric
screwdriver-- or magnetize a screwdriver.
-snip-
What would YOU do?

40 years ago I would have farted around for hours like you're doing--
and frustrated the hell out of myself in the process.

Now, if I was in your situation, I'd wait until the next time I'm in a
department, hardware, or big-box store and buy myself the right tool
for the job. Depending on how I felt that day it might be a $100
screwdriver set with a gazillion fittings to drive everything from
screws to nuts-- or a $1 magnet to magnetize my old beat up
screwdriver.

if I was in a rush, I might try a little beeswax on the head of the
screwdriver to see if it would hold the screw. [or slap a refrigerator
magnet on the screwdriver, near the tip. That might magnetize it
enough to hold a screw]

Jim

On 7/29/2010 10:27 PM, David Combs wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?


Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.


What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David



Go to Office Depot and pick up some double sided sticky foam
tape. It comes in different thicknesses or you can layer it.
I have tons of the stuff because it comes with all kinds of
telecom gear that I have installed. It can be amazingly strong
when used correctly. I can't imagine that your pencil holders
will be subjected to extreme forces requiring epoxy or mechanical
fasteners. Heck, use Velcro so you can easily empty any crap
that invariably collects in pencil holders.

TDD

On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

Get a strong magnet and stick it to the shaft of the screwdriver.

nate

"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...
On 7/29/2010 10:27 PM, David Combs wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?


Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.


What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David



Go to Office Depot and pick up some double sided sticky foam
tape. It comes in different thicknesses or you can layer it.
I have tons of the stuff because it comes with all kinds of
telecom gear that I have installed. It can be amazingly strong
when used correctly. I can't imagine that your pencil holders
will be subjected to extreme forces requiring epoxy or mechanical
fasteners. Heck, use Velcro so you can easily empty any crap
that invariably collects in pencil holders.

TDD

That would be my suggestion. Velcro strip wrapped all the way around
the can and a piece on he wall and it's done. You can put the can back
with your eyes closed. I use those small red plastic coffee cans.
Light and hold a lot.

In article ,
(David Combs) wrote:

I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?


Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.


What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

That's funny, 13 replies and I didn't see one that suggested the easy
way that I do all the time for similar stuff:

1. Hold screwdriver with tip pointing up, balance phillips head screw on
it.

2. Turn can upside down and lower it over the screw and screwdriver
until the screw is through the hole.

3. Hold the can and screwdriver firmly together, trapping the screw as
you turn it all right side up.

4. Put the tip of the screw in the pilot hole in the wood.

5. Start the screw in the hole with a few turns before optionally
letting go of the can.

On Jul 30, 9:47*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
(David Combs) wrote:





I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

That's funny, 13 replies and I didn't see one that suggested the easy
way that I do all the time for similar stuff:

1. Hold screwdriver with tip pointing up, balance phillips head screw on
it.

2. Turn can upside down and lower it over the screw and screwdriver
until the screw is through the hole.

3. Hold the can and screwdriver firmly together, trapping the screw as
you turn it all right side up.

4. Put the tip of the screw in the pilot hole in the wood.

5. Start the screw in the hole with a few turns before optionally
letting go of the can.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

That's funny, you read 13 replies and didn't notice that I suggested
that in the 8th reply.

In article
,
DerbyDad03 wrote:



That's funny, you read 13 replies and didn't notice that I suggested
that in the 8th reply.

My bad. I confess to skimming 13 replies, and kept seeing "buy the
magnetic", "scotch tape" and "velcro."

I retract my suggestion, and second DD's suggestion.

On Jul 30, 10:36*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,

*DerbyDad03 wrote:

That's funny, you read 13 replies and didn't notice that I suggested
that in the 8th reply.

My bad. I confess to skimming 13 replies, and kept seeing "buy the
magnetic", "scotch tape" and "velcro."

I retract my suggestion, and second DD's suggestion.

Actually, I'd prefer that you second my first suggestion.

A small piece of tape holding the screw to the driver allows for the
positioning of any screw at any angle, even straight down - no
balancing required.

Sure, you need an extra piece of "equipment" (tape) but that's a trick
I've been using since my days as an Electronics Tech in the USCG many
(many) years ago.

The screwdrivers with the claws work pretty good too, but the tape
allows for access to much smaller areas.

In article
,
DerbyDad03 wrote:

On Jul 30, 10:36*am, Smitty Two wrote:
In article
,

*DerbyDad03 wrote:

That's funny, you read 13 replies and didn't notice that I suggested
that in the 8th reply.

My bad. I confess to skimming 13 replies, and kept seeing "buy the
magnetic", "scotch tape" and "velcro."

I retract my suggestion, and second DD's suggestion.

Actually, I'd prefer that you second my first suggestion.

All right Abbott.


A small piece of tape holding the screw to the driver allows for the
positioning of any screw at any angle, even straight down - no
balancing required.

Sure, you need an extra piece of "equipment" (tape) but that's a trick
I've been using since my days as an Electronics Tech in the USCG many
(many) years ago.

The screwdrivers with the claws work pretty good too, but the tape
allows for access to much smaller areas.

I used to have a split-blade for starting slotted screws, and it worked
very well. But I've given up slotted heads. I use a lot more machine
screws than anything else, and prefer allen drive for socket head or
button head. Flat heads I stick with phillips because the hex drive is
too damn small on those and tends to strip out.

I don't have a magnetic screwdriver but I stick a magnet on the shaft of
any old driver to make it magnetic long enough to start a screw when
needed.

David Combs wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?


Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.


What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David



I'd add some but I think they got this covered!

Or, put a sheet metal screw through the shelf from the bottom.

Make the pilot hole in the can.

Screw the can down over the sheet metal screw. Most likely friction
with the wood will keep it from turning. But if not, hold it with a
screwdriver. The advantage of this method is easy removal.

But that's not how I'd do it.

I'd use a hot glue gun. Put a quick dab of glue on the shelf, stick
the can down, done. Secure, but easily removable.

Use your framing nailer and toenail it to the shelf.

On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

Hire someone to hold the can.

On Jul 29, 8:48*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:



I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. *But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. *SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? *Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

Oops...hit send by accident.

Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

R

I like it!

DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27 pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

Hire someone to hold the can.

And rent a longer screwdriver!

TimR wrote:


I'd use a hot glue gun. Put a quick dab of glue on the shelf, stick
the can down, done. Secure, but easily removable.


Gorilla Glue also seems to be removable. It sets up in a couple of hours.

Long ago, I spent a dollar or two on a screwdriver magnetizer at Radio
Shack. That way I can magnetize my favorite screwdrivers when needed.

On Jul 30, 2:37*am, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:
On Thu 29 Jul 2010 08:27:26p, David Combs told us...
Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

So buy one. Or buy a screwdriver with retainer clips to hold the
head. *SIMPLE as that!

Good grief. Anybody that passed science class in elementary school can
MAKE a magnetized screwdriver in seconds!

All you need to do is drag the screwdriver tip across a magnet a few
times. Just make sure to drag it in the same direction each time, and
use a strong magnet like one from the back of a speaker.

On Jul 30, 3:56*pm, wrote:
On Jul 30, 2:37*am, Wayne Boatwright
wrote:

On Thu 29 Jul 2010 08:27:26p, David Combs told us...
Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

So buy one. Or buy a screwdriver with retainer clips to hold the
head. *SIMPLE as that!

Good grief. Anybody that passed science class in elementary school can
MAKE a magnetized screwdriver in seconds!

All you need to do is drag the screwdriver tip across a magnet a few
times. Just make sure to drag it in the same direction each time, and
use a strong magnet like one from the back of a speaker.

Holy cow!

We've gone from screwing a can to a shelf to dismantling a sound
system.

Ya gotta love this group!

In article ,
RicodJour wrote:

Oops...hit send by accident.

Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

R

HEY, that's pretty cool!

It's those obvious ones that I never think of!

Thank you!

David

In article ,
Joe wrote:
On Jul 29, 10:48*pm, RicodJour wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27*pm, (David Combs) wrote:

snip


Drill the hole in the bottom of the can a bit smaller than the screw,
screw the screw into the can, then twist the can into the pilot hole
in the shelf to get it started, finish off with a screwdriver.

Use a sheet metal screw instead of a wood screw and R's tip will work
even better.

Joe

But a sheet-metal screw is pretty flat at the biting-end, not tapered-down
like a wood-screw. So how do I make it grab the wood as (trying to) screw
it into the wood?

David

In article ,
Jim Elbrecht wrote:

if I was in a rush, I might try a little beeswax on the head of the
screwdriver to see if it would hold the screw.


Hey, that's a good one!

Since I got stung by a big bee last week, with life-long allergic
reaction causing ear to swell way up, and then a course of antibiotics,
there's got to be a hive nearby, full of beeswax!

Super idea -- I'm not even going to read the rest of the thread,
I'm heading out right now to go find it!

THANK YOU!

David :-)

In article ,
The Post Quartermaster wrote:

"The Daring Dufas" wrote in message
...



Go to Office Depot and pick up some double sided sticky foam
tape. It comes in different thicknesses or you can layer it.
I have tons of the stuff because it comes with all kinds of
telecom gear that I have installed. It can be amazingly strong
when used correctly. I can't imagine that your pencil holders
will be subjected to extreme forces requiring epoxy or mechanical
fasteners. Heck, use Velcro so you can easily empty any crap
that invariably collects in pencil holders.

TDD

That would be my suggestion. Velcro strip wrapped all the way around
the can and a piece on he wall and it's done. You can put the can back
with your eyes closed. I use those small red plastic coffee cans.
Light and hold a lot.


Yeah, that velcro-on-the-BOTTOM idea is really good.

Now the wrap-AROUND-the-can (and stick to the wall) --
that opens other possibilities of where to put the can!

And leaves me more room for books, too!


David

In article ,
N8N wrote:

Get a strong magnet and stick it to the shaft of the screwdriver.

nate

Yep, good idea (ditto for other identical ones before
in thread). And I've got a really STRONG one on the
refrig door.

David

In article ,
Smitty Two wrote:

That's funny, 13 replies and I didn't see one that suggested the easy
way that I do all the time for similar stuff:

1. Hold screwdriver with tip pointing up, balance phillips head screw on
it.

2. Turn can upside down and lower it over the screw and screwdriver
until the screw is through the hole.

3. Hold the can and screwdriver firmly together, trapping the screw as
you turn it all right side up.

4. Put the tip of the screw in the pilot hole in the wood.

5. Start the screw in the hole with a few turns before optionally
letting go of the can.

Yes, this idea was suggested once before, way up in the thread.

THANK YOU!

But a problem now comes to me:

AD I put the can, now right-side-up, down near the wood,
I can't SEE the wood-hole. Not even with a flashlight,
because the angle-of-view is too nearly flat.

And sliding around the can, with the screw sticking out
the bottom, feeling for the hole, won't work for me,'
because the wood (pine) grabs onto the screw-point
wherever it hits the wood.

(Were the surface steel, no sweat, since the point
would slide freely until falling into the hole.)


David

In article ,
TimR wrote:
Or, put a sheet metal screw through the shelf from the bottom.

Make the pilot hole in the can.

Screw the can down over the sheet metal screw. Most likely friction
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I don't understand that part. More explanation?


with the wood will keep it from turning. But if not, hold it with a
screwdriver. The advantage of this method is easy removal.

But that's not how I'd do it.

I'd use a hot glue gun. Put a quick dab of glue on the shelf, stick
the can down, done. Secure, but easily removable.


Thanks!

David

In article ,
Sonny wrote:
Use your framing nailer and toenail it to the shelf.

Probably a good suggestion, but I (no carpenter, me) have no idea what
you're talking about.

What's a "framing nailer", and also to "toenail" somelthing?

(No answer, and I'll go to my expert friend, wikipedia, and
get it there.)

Thanks!

David

In article ,
J Burns wrote:
TimR wrote:


I'd use a hot glue gun. Put a quick dab of glue on the shelf, stick
the can down, done. Secure, but easily removable.


Gorilla Glue also seems to be removable.

Hey, THAT'S scary! "REMOVABLE"? Geez, I've been RELYING on that
stuff sticking FOREVER!



It sets up in a couple of hours.

Long ago, I spent a dollar or two on a screwdriver magnetizer at Radio
Shack. That way I can magnetize my favorite screwdrivers when needed.

Too bad, the Radio Shack of long ago has no resemblance to the Radio
Shack of today! Man, I have this big (analog, of course) VOM that
I bought whata, 40 years ago, 50?, and it still works PERFECTABLY today.

No longer possible.

----

With luck, they'll still sell something like that.

But a lot cheaper to use a strong refrig-magnet, to either
temporarily or permanently magnetize the screwdriver.


Thanks!

David

In article ,
Tony wrote:
David Combs wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?


Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.


What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David



I'd add some but I think they got this covered!


I think so! Pretty good thread I started!


David

In article ,
Tony wrote:
DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Jul 29, 11:27 pm, (David Combs) wrote:
I use tin cans (eg goya beans) for storing pencils and pens of
one kind or another. But sometimes it wall fall off the shelf
it sits on (or I knock it off), and the pencils end up all over
the floor.

So, I decided to screw-down the cans:

I drilled a hoile in the bottom of each one, and then
drilled a starter-hole in the (cheap) wood shelf, one
per hole.

Now I get the proper wood screw, reach inside the can,
stick it through the bottom hole, and into the starter
hole, and screw down the can. SIMPLE!

Not so simple!

1: My hand is too big to reach into the can.
2: With needle-nose pliers, I manage to get
the screw through the hole (can held up in the air),
but am unable to line up the screw with the starter-hole.

Also, when sliding the can around, to find starter hole,
the screw will flip out of the hole in the can.

Question: how should I proceed?

Would be nice to have a maagnetic screwdriver -- but
I don't.

Or, unbend a paper-clip, stick it through the hole,
then with the can held an inch or two above the
wood (so I can see the starter-hole), stick the
protruding end into the hole, then try to set the
can down, and then someohow stick the screw into
the double-hole -- but when I try the screwdriver
on it, it flips out of the hole.

What to do? Epoxy it to the screwdriver (joke)?

What would YOU do?

Thanks!

David

Hire someone to hold the can.

And rent a longer screwdriver!

Wrong. I need a thiner (thinner? How about "narrower"?) hand.


David

On Jul 30, 7:14*pm, (David Combs) wrote:
In article ,
Smitty Two wrote:





That's funny, 13 replies and I didn't see one that suggested the easy
way that I do all the time for similar stuff:

1. Hold screwdriver with tip pointing up, balance phillips head screw on
it.

2. Turn can upside down and lower it over the screw and screwdriver
until the screw is through the hole.

3. Hold the can and screwdriver firmly together, trapping the screw as
you turn it all right side up.

4. Put the tip of the screw in the pilot hole in the wood.

5. Start the screw in the hole with a few turns before optionally
letting go of the can.

Yes, this idea was suggested once before, way up in the thread.

THANK YOU!

But a problem now comes to me:

AD I put the can, now right-side-up, down near the wood,
I can't SEE the wood-hole. *Not even with a flashlight,
because the angle-of-view is too nearly flat.

And sliding around the can, with the screw sticking out
the bottom, feeling for the hole, won't work for me,'
because the wood (pine) grabs onto the screw-point
wherever it hits the wood.

(Were the surface steel, no sweat, since the point
would slide freely until falling into the hole.)

David

"I can't SEE the wood-hole"

You know, this is getting scary.

You keep knocking the can off the shelf, you can't find the hole in
the shelf, you can't get the screw in the hole in the can, etc. etc.
etc.

What exactly do you do in this shop of yours?

David Combs wrote:
In article ,
J Burns wrote:
TimR wrote:

I'd use a hot glue gun. Put a quick dab of glue on the shelf, stick
the can down, done. Secure, but easily removable.

Gorilla Glue also seems to be removable.

Hey, THAT'S scary! "REMOVABLE"? Geez, I've been RELYING on that
stuff sticking FOREVER!


I've found it to be strong, but soft enough to cut loose.


It sets up in a couple of hours.

Long ago, I spent a dollar or two on a screwdriver magnetizer at Radio
Shack. That way I can magnetize my favorite screwdrivers when needed.

Too bad, the Radio Shack of long ago has no resemblance to the Radio
Shack of today! Man, I have this big (analog, of course) VOM that
I bought whata, 40 years ago, 50?, and it still works PERFECTABLY today.

No longer possible.

----

With luck, they'll still sell something like that.

But a lot cheaper to use a strong refrig-magnet, to either
temporarily or permanently magnetize the screwdriver.


Thanks!

David


It looks as if Ace Hardware has the same item for $2, and they'll ship
it to you for another $3.

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Magneti.../dp/B0000DINHI

To magnetize a screwdriver, you need one pole near the tip and the other
pole up the shaft. I think a bar or horseshoe magnet would work but not
a refrigerator magnet.

The device I purchased doesn't have much of an external magnetic field,
so it minds its own business in my toolbox until I need it.

Occasionally, magnetism in a screwdriver is a nuisance. I have used the
tool to demagnetize, but laying a screwdriver on a transformer is
probably more effective.