How to Keep a Nut in Socket Wrench

I recently replaced the backup camera on my 2014 Subaru Outback. I was a little apprehensive after watching videos on removing the old camera, and seeing nuts drop inside the door panel. I thought that maybe I could magnetize my socket wrench with a magnetizer/demagnetizer, but when I tried, I could barely pick up a paper clip. Then I thought about using mounting putty, and it worked well.

• Mounting Putty - e.g., https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Reusable-Removable-Mounting-1436912/dp/B000BQMFEC

I originally tried putting the mounting putty inside of the socket but the putty made it too tight for the nut to fit. I then put the putty on the tip of the socket and wrapped putty onto the side of the socket to get good adhesion.

1. Pinch off a pea-sized piece of mounting putty.
2. Roll and knead putty until soft and warm.
3. Attach part of the putty to the tip of the socket, and slightly inside, as shown.
4. Wrap the rest of the putty over the tip of the socket, and attach to the side of the socket; press firmly.

The nuts in my car had a rim, so it was not necessary to put the putty inside of the socket. Adjust the putty placement as needed in order to hold the nut in place during removal, or replacement.

In one of the videos, someone used a power drill/driver with a socket attachment, and lost the nut inside the door panel. I thought that it would be less error prone to use a manual ratchet. In my case, I only needed a slight turn with the ratchet to loosen the nut, and then used my fingers to turn the socket to remove the nut. This gave me more control, less risk of dropping the nut, and was quicker than using only the ratchet. Similarly, I finger-tightened the nut, then used the ratchet to tighten a bit more (e.g., 1/4 turn).

I am happy to say that I successfully replaced the backup camera. Replacing the camera was a bit laborious, but not too difficult. Using the mounting putty on the socket prevented the nut from falling out of the socket.

I subsequently found other tricks to keep the nut or bolt in the socket, including covering the nut or bolt in a paper shop towel before putting the socket over nut or bolt. Some folks also suggested using hot glue, or mastic tape.

I hope this helps others attempting DIY repairs.

Barry