Originally Posted by
pdlamb
I think the only time I take a derailer apart, the jockey wheel and nut stay on the table while I'm greasing the bearing. (Ditto Campy shifter parts during a rebuild.) Bottom line, I don't have parts for my parts lying around, and things like brake pads or cleats can stay in the box or bag they came in until I'm ready to use them.
Common things like M5 bolts live in zip-lock plastic bags. Since I don't have to look for one very often, I don't mind digging.
+1 on this. If I can't finish the job, I'll reassemble off the bike by just a few turns off the bolt or screw. If it needs to sit in degreaser or evaporust, each component will have its own
#5 PP takeout container while they finish the bath.
I only work on one bike at a time though.