Benchspace

When working with small parts, I like to work over a shallow tray that will keep all the parts together.

Jammer,

Regardless of what you do with your grid, remember the 'wot' law of selective gravity which basicly states;   "Dependent on the size and weight of an object, it will either fall on your foot or roll into the most inaccessable position".

regards

wot

Here's a tip I learned many years ago for finding any tiny item that falls.  Lay your head down on the ground sideways (ear touching floor) such that your eyes are very close to the floor and scan across the surface.  It's amazing how much more you can see this way as opposed to looking straight down from a standing position.   Anything on the floor will stand out like a mountain on a range (works great on carpeting too).  Of course, this only works if your floor is otherwise relatively clutter free.  If it's full of shavings and piles of scrap, get the broom out and then inspect the pile!

Jammer,

My shop's in the basement with no windows. I paint pretty much everything white --  walls, drawer interiors, rolling carts, shelves...  It makes a huge difference. 

I haven't done the floors yet. I've actually considered light blue for the floors.

-jonnieboy

my work shop floor is painted white with sporadic red splotches for effect. When I drop something small I roll a flashlight on the floor and look for shadows - always worked great for legos as a kid and the really little screws in eye glasses. but the surest way to not lose the small parts is to always stock extra small parts of whatever it is you are delving into - this way the gods have no reason to mess with you on these smaller parts - but then you will have to be ware of the white floor that attracts red splotches.