Best toolbox for electronics? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: larangel3
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 06:05:33 pm
content: I am currently enrolled in a work project which requires me to move a lot and I move my electronic components and equipment in a plastic bag which is a bit of a hassle, I have looked for toolboxes but most of what I found is made for construction tools.Any suggestions?

author: Mephitus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 06:35:42 pm
content: As a related question, I have seen theseAideTek Box-Allcases all over the place. I was thinking of snagging one to hold a standard resistor/cap set. I have a 1 year old at home and little floor space. So something that can be efficiently and easily stowed away is essential.

author: Weaver
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 06:36:34 pm
content: I use something like what's in the picture, and you can find them alot cheaper at Walmart and any fishing place

author: ruffy91
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 06:37:57 pm
content: I use raaco assorter for moving around small and medium parts (connectors, crimp contacts, relais etc.). Have a look:http://www.raaco.com/productsdetails-1122.aspx?ProductID=136242&VariantID=&GroupID=BoxesFor equipment I have a toolbox like this:http://www.gtline.com/en/products/gt_line/22-TURTLE350_PSS-Tool_case/

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 06:40:55 pm
content: For tools i just use a standard tool box. I don't tend to need to carry many parts but tupperware type boxes are good for the odd time I need to just shove a few parts in my tools.

author: Falcon69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 07:36:39 pm
content: Quote from: Weaver on October 19, 2015, 06:36:34 pmThe problem with these however,If you have very small caps and resistors (0603 and below) They get mixed up as they slide under the adjustable dividers.I picked up a bunch of thesehttps://www.flambeaucases.com/index.php/site/details/T200and made my own storage shelf on the laser cutter using acrylic. These don't have adjustable dividers, they are fixed so nothing can go underneath the dividers.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 07:48:41 pm
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on October 19, 2015, 07:36:39 pmtry foam strip or door seal

author: Weaver
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 08:27:44 pm
content: Quote from: Falcon69 on October 19, 2015, 07:36:39 pmI've never had a problem with the dividers pulling up, but if that's the case just glue the dividers in place

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2015, 11:55:56 pm
content: How many devices eg thd or smd, and what sort of test gear, eg just a dmm or a vector analyser!?I tend to 'pad' up as a lot of test gear isn't really robust, esp against vehicle vibration. Pelican cases aren't cheap but tough as nails and will probably pay for itself later in 'not broken' gear.

author: jwm_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 12:24:47 am
content: I use these for SMD and small through hole parts (like ceramic caps).http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F6DKR4However, I've been unable to find the exact same one... if anyone has a source, I'd love to pick up 3 or 4 more.Note these are different than the ones where the individual round container screw into each ether, those are relatively common. With this, each container is fully independent and clear.The only downside is they are not ESD safe, so I worry about putting mosfets or CMOS ICs in them, I sprayed them with some anti-static stuff, but I am not sure how to test if it is working. I have never had a chip damaged in a way I can see, but I'd like some way to tell if there is less obvious damage.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2015, 09:08:18 am
content: For SMD passives, do a search for plastic vials / storage vials. eg.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/100x-Watchmakers-small-spares-parts-containers-vials-tubes-stems-staffs-repairs-/321375761120?hash=item4ad37cf2e0:g:uVkAAOxyJ-FRklFI(avoid anything sold in packs of 10 for 'craft use' at inflated prices)They will each hold a surprising quantity of 1206 / 0805 parts and are sealed against moisture. mark the sides with indelible pen, drill a block of wood with rows of appropriately sized holes to store them in order, and finish with a strips of white adhesive tape also marked with values. A bit more work, but the parts will degrade less and you'll get higher storage density. Less risk of 'cross contamination' of values too.Tip: Use a folded sheet of paper to tip the parts into the vials.