Make a Magnetic Hardware Sorting Tray From Hard Drive Magnets

I spend a lot of time taking things apart.All too often that one screw decides to disappear and I'm on my hands and knees under the workbench, searching. A magnetic screw tray makes things a lot simpler.

I started by removing the magnet from the steel mounting plate. It's only glued on, so bending the mounting plate will cause them to separate. I used an old screwdriver to gently pry the magnet off. I scraped off any excess adhesive.

I used Super Glue Fix-all adhesive. I coated the magnets and the inside of the tin with it and let it set for ten minutes before pressing the magnets onto the tin. Since the magnets want to stick so well to the steel clamps are unnecessary.

I added a fun sticker to dress up the drab tin.

Now I can sort and safely hold screws and hardware without worry about spilling them.