Tips to Make DIY Projects a More EnjoyableIt’s never really one thing that destroys a DIY project but a string of aggravations that eventually wears it down. An organized work space goes a long way keeping the job manageable. Get & Stay OrganizedA lost part or mislaid tool can cause horrible work stoppages. Not only can a lengthy search be frustrating, but it can tiring. If this happens enough work quality will suffer. Avoid this by adopting a systematic and organized manner of working. You’ll ALWAYS know where the needed part is when it’s off the vehicle. Also the reserved space offers the opportunity organize small parts like nuts and bolts tying them to specific mounting holes on larger components. Regardless, use a tray even if there is just one part. It’s all about forming the habit.  Keeping everything in the work area on a tray saves you frustration of looking for a misplaced tool or an errant part Same idea as as the parts tray. You’ll know EXACTLY where the needed tool is; it’s on the tray (not on the bumper, or fender, or in the house or who knows where). For sockets place only the needed values (not the whole kit), consider things like drivers with bits in the handle as whole tools. When the entire job is done, the tools can be put away in their proper storage drawers, racks and cabinets. In this day and age of cell phone cameras there’s really is no excuse for not taking pictures. It’s a great way to share your work and is a clear and efficient way to communicating when asking questions. A sufficient number of photos for a project can function as a working re-assembly guide. Sometimes it’s necessary to leave items such as rags, funnels or clamps in place to stop drips and maintain a clean work area. Keep track of these items in place, they will need to be removed before closing out the project. Again the cell phone camera can be useful here. Snap off a picture with the clamp, rag or whatever in place in a wheel well, under hood or wherever. Before concluding the job review the photos. Should go without saying but as most abused room in the house, the garage can go from OCD operating room organized to trashed out man cave. Just make sure items needed for the job can be easily accessed. This might include shop supplies like WD-40, cleaners, rags, sawdust, sand or host of other items.
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