Did You Ever Disassemble Something Then Put It Back Together and It Now Works Perfectly But You Have Parts Left Over?

That experience is quite common! Disassembling something and then reassembling it only to find leftover parts can be puzzling. It often happens with complex devices like electronics or furniture where extra screws, washers, or small components might be included for assembly or replacement purposes. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to:

Double-Check

Go through the assembly instructions again to see if you missed a step. This step can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

Identify Parts

Try to identify the leftover parts to determine if they were essential or just extra. Understanding the parts can help you make an informed decision about what to do next.

Consider Functionality

If the item is functioning well, the parts might not be critical. However, if you notice any issues later, you may need to revisit the assembly. Keeping a log of your work can be invaluable.

It can be a bit of a mystery, but as long as everything works, it's usually nothing to worry about! In fact, finding leftover parts is often a sign that you did an excellent job.

Worth of Leftover Parts

I guess you aren’t familiar with repair work. The more leftover parts you have when the job is done, the better a job you did. Here's a fun way to look at it:

Screws and washers are worth 1 beer. Electrical components and sprints are worth 2 beers. Cams and cranks are worth 3 beers. A whole motor, solenoid, or PCB are worth 5 beers.

Although, to avoid this, it's essential to keep careful track of parts removed with a parts tray or labeled paper, and of course, photographing the disassembly process. But when I find that extra screw at the end, there's a moment of hesitation wondering if it will be a problem to look the other way and not go back looking for where it was mixed up.

Essential vs. Non-Essential Parts

Not all leftover parts are essential to basic functionality, but some may be important for continued functioning, quality, or robustness. For example, many devices have screws with what are known as “lock washers.” You can leave these out, and the device will work just fine—until one of the screws vibrates loose!

Some parts are purely cosmetic, and manufacturers typically don't include parts for no reason. If a part isn't purely for aesthetics, then you can bet the manufacturer put it there for some purpose that may not be immediately obvious. Otherwise, they would save themselves the cost of the part and increase their profit margin by leaving it out of the assembly process.

Understanding the importance of these parts can make a significant difference in how you handle your projects. So, next time you find yourself with leftover parts, take a few minutes to reassess and decide what course of action to take.

Remember, as long as your device is working, there's no need to stress! Enjoy the process, and who knows, you might even make a few rounds of drinks with your newfound knowledge!