Ever need to insert (or remove) a bolt with a socket and extension that is down in a narrow, hard to reach area? You can barely get there with just the socket/extension, but have no way to hold the bolt.

Some people use a dab of grease on the head of the bolt hold it in the socket. That works great, but is messy.

Alternative, use some tape (like masking tape or painters) around the outside of the socket, but overhang the tape so that the end can be folded over the inserted bolt. This holds the bolt strong enough until you get it down there and threaded.

 

I just use a peice of paper, news paper or foolscap works just fine. Just tear a peice off and place it between the socket and nut. Then push the nut into the socket.

Another good tip is for u-joint sockets on the end of an extension. Most of the time the u-joint is too loose and just flops down with the weight of the nut. If you wrap electrical tape around the u-joint, it won't flex so easily and you'll be able to get the nut to the desired stud easier.

 

for screw driers and other misc. tools, you can drag the metal part across an old speaker or some sort of decently powerful magnet to help get out dropped screws, bolts, etc.

 

You can put a rubber band across the socket than put the bolt in. the rubber band hold the bolt in the socket

 

I just use the force instead.

"These aren't the bolts you're looking for"