Over the years, I was a slow learner and parts would go flying in my work area and I’d have no idea where they went. Haven’t built an AR or swapped out a tube lately, so this is at least a year old. Was grabbing one of my longer screwdrivers that I had on a magnetic strip on the wall and lo and behold look what I found.  

I now do certain parts of my builds either in the bathtub with a shower curtain blocking flying parts, or in an upside down clear plastic tub with arm holes cut out (that looks like I’m I scientist working with infectious diseases, or like I’m touching a baby in an incubator, lol)

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Bet ya can't do that again

Make sure you cover the drain😄

I've heard of people making assembly boxes from Rubbermaid boxes resembling sand blasting booths.  The lid would have a plexiglas window, and you insert your hands through holes cut for them.  Any parts that decide to launch never leave the box.

Large clear dry cleaning bags work well.   I have been using white lithium grease on AR detent springs and it does slow their travel across a workbench.

Does white lithium grease slow down (or stop) an AR at 0ºF?

I don't know.  It might.  I only put a dab of grease on one end of the spring.  Not cover the whole spring.  My thought is after a few hundred rounds and getting hot the grease will work itself out eventually.   After tearing a few builds apart, I have never found any grease remaining.  Maybe some slight oily residue.

Why would grease on a detent/spring stop a gun when it's cold?

your screwdrive id broke

greases and oils do not move very well at such low temperatures.

apologies for derailing this thread.

Depends on which mfgr/blend. Some are rated down to 0*F, others -40* F.

Not sure it's a viable issue on things such as pins/detents/springs though.

I've always used oil so no firsthand experience.

But, in what way are detents/springs involved in the "function" of the firearm?  They keep your takedown and pivot pins from falling out and that is about it.

Ummm...that's why I switched to a white garbage bag.

I launched a HK MP5 F model firing pin spring, these are braided wire and pricey, across the garage. I saw the direction it flew but never found it. Fast forward 3 years and found the sucker in one of my boots.

Two weeks ago I was assembling a Radian Talon ambi selector and launched one of its retainer pins as I slid the lever onto the axle. Had to cannibalize a spare selector kit to finish. The very next day I tore apart the guide rod out of an AK and as I was reassembling the spring & guide rod I once again sent a part into orbit. This time it was the retainer that fits on the end of the recoil spring. So now I'm crawling around on my hands and knees searching for this damn retainer and I find the Radian pin from the day before, COOL, but I'm still looking for that damn AK spring retainer.