Having lost countless tiny parts to the dreaded carpet monster, I finally figured out an answer when I dropped something small from my office desk: There it was, clearly visible on the clear-plastic chair mat that permits office chairs to roll easily. I got a few from a local big-box office supply store, laid them on the carpet in my assembly workshop, and immediately stopped losing dropped parts. The mat also protects against spilled glue and paint.
My mats cost about $29 each. I needed three, but they were well worth it. Three years later, they are still in great shape.
Tip submitted by:
Ned BarnettLas Vegas, Nevada