Had an idea...

[One Holer]

Every time I take a S&W double action revolver apart to work on it, I darn near lose an internal part or one of the small springs when I accidentally don't keep enough tension on it. Since I had to take my 637 J frame apart, I wanted to do it somewhere where I wouldn't lose anything if a small spring would get sprung. Found the perfect place in my downstairs shower. After drying any residual water, I masked-off the drain, added a light and a couple of small bins. After door is shut, have an enclosed, clean, well lit area to contain any accidental launches. Worked like a charm.

 

[The Mighty S&W]

Any time I work on things that contain small parts, especially those with small parts under spring tension, I tend to use large, clear plastic bags. I'll place the item I'm working on, as well as my tools inside the bag, and look through the bag to see what I'm doing. Any part that goes flying is contained in the bag unless it comes directly back at me in which case it would fall directly in front of me making it easier to locate.

 

[max503]

I like both suggestions.

 

[jake1945]

Well, that's taking cleanliness to a new level! LOL

 

[Protocall_Design]

The shower is just a walk-in plastic bag. I think it's a great idea!

 

[oworthsr]

The OP's shower alternative won't work for me. My house only has one story. : )

 

[SmithNut]

Good plan

Besides, when you can't find that side plate screw just take a shower, you'll eventually find it imbedded in your heel.....

 

[JohnHL]

Might as well take a shower while you're working on that gun.

That way you and the gun get cleaned and you save some time.

John

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Ya know in 50 years of owning Smiths and other firearms. I've gotten far away from total disassembly for routine cleaning.......It's not needed and will cause more wear on gun.( as well as loss of parts as indicated by the OP)

 

[Laketime]

So your that guy they call Bubba around here

 

[Eddietruett]

Every time I rake a S&W double action revolver apart to work on it, I darn near lose an internal part or one of the small springs when I accidentally don't keep enough tension on it. Since I had to take my 637 J frame apart, I wanted to do it somewhere where I wouldn't lose anything if a small spring would get sprung. Found the perfect place in my downstairs shower. After drying any residual water, I masked-off the drain, added a light and a couple of small bins. After door is shut, have an enclosed, clean, well lit area to contain any accidental launches. Worked like a charm.

I like the idea. I covered my bench with the magnet backed vinyl that's used to make removable truck signs. It's available in rolls and inexpensive. Installed it magnet side up and also put a 1/2" tall molding strip around the perimeter. Lost parts don't happen near as often. The magnet is not strong enough to "grab" dropped parts every time but it is strong enough to reduce bouncing considerably and small parts don't roll around either. It was money well spent.

 

[Chuck24]

I had an idea once, waited til it passed

 

[wproct]

It's kind of funny. I started buying guns back in 1964 or so, and every handgun that I bought, semi-auto and single-action revolvers, I would have to disassemble down to the smallest components and put them back together just to prove that I could. However, that curiosity seemed to disappear when it came to double-action revolvers, something inside me just said, "don't do it". I will modify that statement somewhat, I would tear my Ruger revolvers down, but not my Smith & Wesson revolvers. My experience has been if Smith & Wesson double-action revolvers are kept clean, lightly lubricated and not over lubricated, tear down is seldom needed.

 

[One Holer]

I didn't take my 637 down any more than what is shown in the pic other than taking the cylinder and crane out.

 

[One Holer]

Ya know in 50 years of owning Smiths and other firearms. I've gotten far away from total disassembly for routine cleaning.......It's not needed and will cause more wear on gun.( as well as loss of parts as indicated by the OP)

I didn't take it apart for routine cleaning. I installed a plug in the "lock hole" in place of the God-awful lock. Second one I've done. Both came out perfect.

 

[One Holer]

So your that guy they call Bubba around here

So Laketime, how is taking a revolver apart "Bubba-ing it"?

 

[KEN L]

Well, that's one man's answer.

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Hmmm. Ive been pondering setting up a reloading station in front of the john to match my shower armorer's bench.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Hmmm. Ive been pondering setting up a reloading station in front of the john to match my shower armorer's bench.

Great idea. Then you could multi task and reload and unload both at the same time!

 

[SmithNut]

Great idea. Then you could multi task and reload and unload both at the same time!

Just remember, reloading is a job that needs complete attention and focus, you wouldn't want to do a crappy job....

Just sayin'