Ever tried using a magnetic pickup tool to fish them out? Sometimes it works, sometimes it just adds to the frustration.
Yeah, I’ve tried that, but honestly, I worry more about accidentally shorting something or scratching up the floor. Anyone ever just tape off the gaps before starting? Seems like a hassle, but maybe it saves time in the long run?
Taping off the gaps actually isn’t as much of a pain as I thought it’d be. I used painter’s tape last time I had to pull the dishwasher out, just ran a strip along the floor and the counter edge. Saved me from losing a couple screws down the crack, which is always a nightmare to fish out. It’s a little extra work up front, but honestly, I’d rather do that than spend 20 minutes crawling around with a flashlight and a magnet. Still feels a bit overkill sometimes, but I guess it depends how clumsy you are with dropping stuff... I’m definitely in the “drops everything” camp.
Saved me from losing a couple screws down the crack, which is always a nightmare to fish out.
Totally get this. Last time I pulled my dishwasher, I thought I could just be “careful” and not bother with tape. Ended up chasing a rogue screw under the cabinets for half an hour—had to use a bent coat hanger and some very creative language. Ever since, I’m all about the painter’s tape. It feels like overkill until you’re on your hands and knees cursing at a lost part... then it suddenly makes sense.
Funny thing, I actually don’t bother with tape anymore—too many times it just got stuck to my gloves or left sticky bits behind. Instead, I keep a strong magnet handy and just stick the screws right to it as I pull them out. Works like a charm, especially on those awkward installs where you’re working blind. Only catch is if you’re dealing with non-magnetic screws, then yeah, you’re back to the coat hanger routine...
Magnets are a lifesaver, right? I tried the tape trick once and ended up with more tape on my hands than on the screws. The magnet method is great until you hit those sneaky brass screws—then it’s like, “Well, guess I’m fishing around in the cabinet again.” Ever tried one of those telescoping magnetic wands? I swear by mine, but it’s basically useless on anything non-magnetic. Why do manufacturers even use those weird screws anyway?
