Jay Honeck wrote:
Jay, I find using a awl to locate the holes then pull the awl and insert
screw. Been working for me. What gets me is when I drop one and have the
tear the plane apart finding it.

While trying to insert it properly I dropped that damned spacer (in
the seat belt attachment bracket) BEHIND the side panel, after having
it mostly attached to the wall.

Sometimes a little bit of official, certificated, FAA-approved,
MIL-spec, AN/ABC-123 spit will keep a washer or a spacer stuck to
something long enough to get the screw installed. If you have cheap
knockoff Harbor Freight spit that's not thick enough, a dab of official,
certificated wheel bearing grease (from Autozone Aerospace) will
probably do the job, plus it's good for corrosion control. Using Scotch
tape, double-sided tape, or a dab of RTV are techniques reserved for
experimental aircraft.

Note that not all plastic and rubber materials will like grease. Grease
will also get thinner when hot, so don't use it where it could leak out
onto the upholstery or into a mechanism.

Disclaimer: This is based on experience with ground vehicles and
equipment. I don't have an A&P; I don't even have a TG&Y. Some of
this may not be allowable on a certificated aircraft. Your mileage
may vary.

Matt Roberds