Component organization/storage options - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: guy2600
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 02, 2011, 09:28:24 pm
content: I'm new to electronics and after doing a few projects, I'm looking for a way to get my components organized. Most of what I have are breadboard type/sized components. Any good options out there? I'd love to get something like this but the compartments are way to small for my needs:http://cgi.ebay.com/SMT-resistor-capacitor-storage-box-Organizer-1206-0805-/180524744703?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item2a081cffffI'm having a hard time finding anything. Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

author: neoone
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2011, 09:48:50 pm
content: just get some of thosehttp://www.szufladki.com/(of course in your country or ebay) For example I use thosehttp://www.szufladki.com/mini.htmlfor resistors and capacitors organized by E12/E24. They come in many sizes and have modular structure.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 07:24:54 am
content: I have 4 of these for various components:http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6323&CATID=32&form=CAT&SUBCATID=314I also have tons of these little configurable storage boxes:http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cubic-configurable-storage-toolboxes-10-pack-45805x10 blocks hold 50 values of SMD resistors (one for 1206/0805/0603) similar thing for capacitors. Then a general block for random SMD parts.There are also these:http://www.dealextreme.com/p/configurable-storage-toolboxes-3-pack-4727Same thing but 3x the size. They clip together neatly with the smaller boxes. You can fit a decent amount of through hole parts in them. Crystals, capacitors etc.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 09:15:22 am
content: I use two cases to store E12 values from 1R to 10R and 1M ato 10M and all the E24 values between 10R and 1M.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=987.0

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 01:32:22 pm
content: Storage boxes from fishing or craftwork section of a Walmart or similar store; about $1-6 each for 10+ compartments.You needn't store every single Ex value in a its own bin. You need one set of E12 precision components to use for testing designs [1 or 2 Plano boxes worth], then buy fresh parts for final assembly. If you try to stock parts for future designs you know nothing about its bill of materials, you'll soon have an inventory problem, too much of something, too little of another, and a lot of space used that can be purposed for something else.Note, that's one box for resistors, capacitors, inductors, ICs, etc., so it does add up. Trying to stock what you don't know you need yet could turn your workspace into a Digikey warehouse.

author: insurgent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 05:47:26 pm
content: I have all thru-hole components as all my stuff is 15 years old. For surface mount, a more efficient solution as mentioned above and in Hero999's thread link would be called for.I have a cabinet of drawers similar to this.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKUSYSYou can also get hybrid units with the small drawers and some larger drawers in the same unit like thishttp://www.amazon.com/Stack-DS-39-Drawer-Storage-Cabinet/dp/B000HJBA1WThere are also some that come with dividers for the drawers so you can subdivide the 6 inch or so drawer into smaller compartments.I don't vouch for these manufacturers of course.

author: alvarop
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2011, 10:12:43 pm
content: I got some of the resistor value packs from futurlec and ended up putting them in a binder.I also have these container boxes I bought at the Home Depot a few months ago. They're not the best, but they are portable. I stay away from those vertical/wall mounted storage boxes. Every time I move, I have to be careful not to tip them over, otherwise everything falls out. I might have to get some of those SMT boxes at some point...

author: guy2600
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 05, 2011, 12:37:14 pm
content: Thanks for all the insight! I ended up going with a unit like this from mcmaster carr. I figured it will store all my components in addition to the misc wires, leads etc I have. Almost have my home lab setup complete