Park Tool Magneticg Parts Bowl

I’VE WANTED TO TALK ABOUT this little gadget of mine for two whole years (our executive editor wouldn’t let me, because he thinks it’s ridiculous). It is, by far, the most useful thing I’ve ever purchased when it comes to my work for Maximum PC. So, what is it? Something typically associated with other more arduous mechanical pursuits and hobbies than PC building—it is, in short, a magnetic bowl.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What the hell?” But just hear me out. When it comes to building, upgrading, or tweaking systems, it’s generally advisable to use some sort of container to store all the nuts, bolts, and screws you’re using for the job, so you don’t lose them, rather than just littering them all over your workbench. A magnetic bowl goes one better, by additionally securing every metal component you throw into it via the power of magnets, ensuring you’ll never lose them.

It’s also pretty neat because you can attach the bowl itself to anything metal as well without worry, including cases, shelving units, refrigerators—you name it. It’s simply a metal bowl, with a giant magnet attached to the bottom of it, surrounded by a rubber, err, surround— and that’s all there is to it.

Additional magnetic magic includes its ability to magnetize tools. For instance, take a non-magnetic screwdriver, move it back and forth on the base of the bowl, and it becomes magnetic. Handy. $10, www.parktool.com