Keeping parts organized and remembering access/inspection port locations??

[mhorowit]

Took the rest of the elevator/trim tab covering off and admired the trim arrangement.

One side had a square access port granting access to the bell crank(?) the other had an inspection port giving access to I_don't-know-what.

Very quickly it became evident I need to keep all these parts together, along with the old covering (as a reference for where to cut the new ports and access panel).

How did you keep all related parts together? Large box labeled "elevator/trim stuff"? and another labled "other elevator"?? - Mike

[dewhitaker]

Re: Keeping parts organized and remembering access/inspection port locations??

Hi Mike, two suggestions come to mind: make good use of digital camera while things are still connected together, and as you are dismantling. They will be valuable when trying to refresh your memory of how does it go back together. Also, ziplock storage bags make very good parts keepers, write on the outside of them and you can see the part. Helps protect them from damage.

[N96337]

Re: Keeping parts organized and remembering access/inspection port locations??

I'll second the advice above.... LOTS AND LOTS of digital pics...from EVERY angle... even if it's stuff you're sure will be simple to remember!!! I've done quite a few from the ground up and never thought I had too many pictures!! The baggies are wonderful...get some sandwich size and some gallon size... then store those in boxes, somewhat according to where it came from. I also keep a loose leaf notebook with a few dividers in it... use it like a journal... write what you took apart, how it came apart, anything else you saw that you wanted to fix before it went back together...etc. I know alot of people don't do it this way and get by just fine, but when you get drug off to as many different projects and tasks as I do, it really helps!!!
JH

[mhorowit]

Re: Keeping parts organized and remembering access/inspection port locations??

Hi Mike, two suggestions come to mind: make good use of digital camera while things are still connected together, and as you are dismantling.

Arn't they they greatest! Bought an inexpensive ($125) Fuji about three years ago for taking fishing; wanted something I could drop in the water and not go ballistic. Resolution is everything I could want --- and the ability to get something on the Inet in a matter of minutes... wow. - Mike

[VictorBravo]

Re: Keeping parts organized and remembering access/inspection port locations??

On complicated or critical assemblies, I have also made sketches of how it was assembled, like three washers on this side and one on the other, this piece goes under the Adel clamp and that piece goes on top of it, etc.

the problem with digital photos is that you usually don't have them on a computer and ready to sort through when you are out at the hangar. Of course, you could set up a desk and a computer in the hangar for that purpose. But the CD with all your digital pictures won't mean much if you can't get your answer when you're half buried inside the fuselage with a pile of parts on the ground and no computer in sight.

[mulwyk]

Re: Keeping parts organized and remembering access/inspection port locations??

Mike:

I use digital photos, but have found them of limited use...I seem to always take the photo from the wrong angle and often I can't find the the photo I want when I need it.

I keep a disassembly log that includes drawings and notes to myself. My log is an ordinary school notebook.

I use a clip board to keep a running list of the parts I'm going to need. As my budget permits I order the parts from Spruce and cross them off the list.

I label parts with masking tape and a sharpie marker. I always label up, down, fore, aft, etc. so I can get the parts back in the right position.

I use 3X5 cards to record tasks ("Blast and Paint Landing Gear Vees" for example). I arrange the cards in order and post them on a project board on the wall of my shop. As I complete a task, I take the card off the project board and gleefully toss it in the trash.

Bob Gustafson