Improper Storage Temperature of Hobbyist Tools/Electric Parts - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Tech77997
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2021, 05:01:30 pm
content: Hello everyone, I hope my inquiry finds you well. I thank you for your time in giving me advice/insight regarding a maintenance/storage failure. Back in December 2020, when I had moved, and especially due to family health matters going on, I became sidetracked and unfortunately did not think of the proper storage conditions for my electronics hobbyist toolbox.I had (rather unintentionally) left it in my garage, which is not temperature controlled. After the following temperature records I describe below,I have listed the contents of the toolbox that I am concerned are rendered unreliable now.The following temperatures are those of the outside-the-house temperatures that were recorded, not those of my garage.In the winter, low temperatures were between -7.1 to -1 degrees C (19 - 30 degrees F), and a highs of -1 to 10 degrees C (30 - 50 degrees F).In the springtime, low temperatures rose to about 4.4 to 12.8 deg. C (40 - 55 degrees F), with highs approaching 15.5 to 21.1 degree C (60 - 70 degrees F).Then, in the summer, high temperatures would rise to about 32.2 to 37.8 degrees C (90 - 100 degrees F).In other words, the garage went from being "very cold" in the winter months to being "very hot" in the summer months.It is also not exactly a dry place (except for probably in the winter); it is not wet of course (I do not have any mold/mildew issues and do not live near big bodies of water), but the air is humid in spring/summer.Therefore, I am concerned if any of the circuit parts/wires that I had in my box (which was closed tight the whole time) were internally damaged due to these improper storage conditions. Other than visually inspecting the box contents (they seem fine), I have not had the opportunity to try any of them out since I am working two jobs and cannot support any hobby projects at the moment.But, I figured I'd ask this here in case anyone would theoretically know if my toolbox contents are potentially rendered garbage... or, if anyone has experience with any issues with their circuit/wire parts that may have been brought on by improper storage conditions.Some of the contents of my toolbox are:A whole bunch of resistors, diodes, capacitors, potentiometers, LEDSA whole bunch of op amps, 555 Timers, and other ICsMicsoa BNC test-lead set (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FZV589P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1)AUTOUTLET P6100 Universal Oscilloscope Probes (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P7M72JX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1)Amphenol 112461 BNC Tee Adapter, Jk-Pl-Jk, 50 Ohm Impedance, 4Hz Max Frequency (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005T9PNUY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)Multimeter Test Leads, Banana Plug (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MX9FJKD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)Sumnacon Banana to Banana plugs (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07179VF5J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)Sumnacon multimeter banana plug to crocodile alligator clip wires (https://www.amazon.com/Sumnacon-Multimeter-Crocodile-Alligator-Stackable/dp/B071SL6PQS/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=banana+clip+wires&qid=1628350187&sr=8-3)Sumnacon Multimeter Test Lead Set (https://www.amazon.com/Sumnacon-Inch-Multimeter-Test-Lead/dp/B07VDNHCFM/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/135-5493630-4357622?pd_rd_w=4P8Sh&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=361N9QCTQERF7DXZ78P0&pd_rd_r=7678e4a6-ca9b-4810-bbc4-13691f606d04&pd_rd_wg=mLkut&pd_rd_i=B07VDNHCFM&psc=1)about 10 breadboardsA whole bunch of breadboard jumper wires (https://www.amazon.com/SIM-NAT-Breadboard-Arduino-Raspberry/dp/B06XRV92ZB/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=breadboard+wires&qid=1628352861&s=hi&sr=1-6)I suspect I might be being paranoid. But that you can tell me.I just simply know that I should not have stored my toolbox in such conditions. But assuming that they still function seemingly well when in use,I am simply wondering if I should be ready to find out/be cautious that they are probably not reliable anymore?Thank you for your time in giving your advice and insight. I sincerely appreciate it.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2021, 06:00:15 pm
content: There should be no issue from the storrage. If at all some SMD chips in plastic case may absorb humidity and would need / like a bake out before using them in reflow soldering. Most parts are OK to -25 C for storage often even lower.

author: Tech77997
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2021, 06:31:01 pm
content: Thank you Kleinstein for your helpful insight; I really appreciate it.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2021, 11:07:05 pm
content: Usually the problems are obvious. Such as sticky plastic probes or wire insulation. Or plastic that is cracking.The electronic parts are usually fine, as their working parts are encapsulated.There are always exceptions but I wouln'd worry about it.

author: perieanuo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 10, 2021, 08:45:43 am
content: worry about small pitch ic's (they need cleaning if stored improperly, just before soldering them) and high humidity

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 10, 2021, 08:54:34 am
content: The main concern is solderability. Solder may simply not stick/flow onto the leads.