Still, nothing beats having that “mystery bag” when you’re dealing with 30-year-old plumbing...
That mystery bag is basically my toolbox at this point—half the stuff in there I don’t even remember buying. Did you ever actually find what you needed in it, or is it just a backup plan for when all else fails? Also, do magnetic trays really work if you’re crawling under the sink or do they just stick to everything except what you want? I keep thinking about organizing better, but it always feels like as soon as I do, something random pops up and throws it all off.
I swear, my “mystery bag” is the only reason I’ve survived some of these old shower repairs. Half the time, I’m convinced it’s just a graveyard for oddball washers and screws, but then—every once in a blue moon—I’ll find exactly the weird little part I need wedged at the bottom. It’s like winning the lottery, honestly.
About those magnetic trays... mixed feelings. They’re amazing on top of the washer or when you’re working on something flat, but under a sink? Mine usually ends up stuck to the pipe or some random bracket, and then all my screws are rolling away anyway. Not sure if it’s user error or just bad luck.
I keep telling myself I’ll organize everything “next weekend,” but then something leaks or sprays sideways (like your rogue shower), and suddenly I’m elbow-deep in mystery parts again. Maybe chaos is just part of the charm with these old places.
Maybe chaos is just part of the charm with these old places.
Honestly, I think you nailed it there. There’s a certain “organized chaos” to keeping a place like this running, and those mystery bags are kind of like a badge of honor. I keep telling myself I’ll sort out my random hardware stash, but then something leaks and I’m grateful for every oddball washer I’ve hoarded. As for the magnetic trays—same deal, they’re great until they’re not. I’ve switched to a little muffin tin for under-sink jobs. Not perfect, but at least it doesn’t stick to anything unexpected...