Must be! I've never had so many bits and pieces dragged out of me hands and off the bench onto the floor as I've had today. Wouldn't be so bad if the screws were iron or steel, these brass and plastic ones won't listen to me magnet.

Legend has it that Rod Stewart stretches a sheet between himself and his work area when he's building stuff for his model railway.

Wouldn't like to see the result if he forgets about it when he gets up.... 

It'd have to be a very long sheet if he's on tour 

Anyway I reckon it's the Carpet Monster deploying its tractor beams.

Hmm, semi-serious thought: I wonder if a statically-charged balloon would pick up small non-metallic objects?

Mightn't have enough grunt to pick them up, but could have enough charge to make a bit of a jump or movement that the eye could detect.... probably worth experimenting with 

I did try the sheet method a few years back, it does work, but can be a PITA if you have to get up in a hurry.

I have also used an under shelf basket and put a tray in it which can be pulled forward, yesterday I was working at a "temporary work station" and hadn't rigged a basket and tray, so only mysekf to blame!

Basket like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metaltex-Under-Shelf-Storage-Basket/dp/B000T2HNWW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453802666&sr=8-3&keywords=under+shelf+basket

A butchers apron with hooks and eyes along the bottom edge used to be the jewellers and watchmaker saviour in days gone by.
Today I guess a strip of vercro at both bottom corners could be added and corresponding strips applied to the underside of the deck / workbench

Quote from: jonclox on January 26, 2016, 10:50:07 AM
A butchers apron with hooks and eyes along the bottom edge used to be the jewellers and watchmaker saviour in days gone by.

Still is 

I saw a bumper sticker in Ca once that said 'There ain't no such thing as gravity - the earth sucks!' 

If you borrow your wife's apron remember to take it off before you go down the pub 

Best regards,


Joe

Or at least be careful to remove any bits from the apron first - them colourful pub carpets are even worse for finding bits which fall on the floor.