I made a handy part holder from an empty, plastic .22-caliber cartridge box.

First, I filled the bottom of the box with a ¼” layer of florist clay – available at craft and florist-supply stores – to add weight to and increase the stabilty of the stand. Then I glued the cartridge grid in place to prevent heavier parts from tipping it.

To hold the parts, I made clip rods: I found two different sizes of alligator clips at a craft store and glued them to salvaged pieces of 12-gauge insulated wire.

Now, as I build small parts, I have a place for them to dry where they are easy to find. And the clip-and-wire rods enable me to spray-paint the part instead of my fingers.

Tip submitted by:
Don PoggemillerBurlington, Iowa