How do you store/organise SMD components? (or small components in general) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2020, 05:46:41 pm
content: I seem to be gaining an ever-expanding range of tiny drawers for my components. None of which are the right size.How do you manage your components, especially tiny SMD ones?If I need so many I have a reel, then a deep, wide, short drawer would work, if I only need a handful then a drawer more suited to a pencil seems right to fit a strip or two, sometimes it is an amount in-between and then I end up cutting many individual bits of taped components to fit a drawer. Often this means components I would prefer to be grouped together are spaced all over the room in various places.Currently, I have a cardboard box that has all the components I need for the next board I am building in silvered bags with Dymo labels on them. It just seems handier than finding random drawers.I would be very interested to see any of your solutions

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2020, 05:51:47 pm
content: I keep them in smd book on tapes. Like this:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32254444661.html. I also have aidetek anti-esd boxes for components that are not on a tape.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2020, 07:31:40 pm
content: For stuff like resistors and capacitors I just use compartment boxes like thishttps://amazon.com/gp/product/B008GDSGTK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1andhttps://amazon.com/gp/product/B01C3DGO7O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1Unlike random stuff eBay (modular ones) those are excellent quality. They don't feel flimsy, don't have gaps big enough that components fall out. They are basically perfect.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 12:11:59 am
content: get the ESD safe version of the above, I just threw out around 1kg of plastic containers and bags after filling a single 144 component ESD safe SMD IC organizer last week with op amps and such. Basically an entire large office trash cans worth of plastic. I saved all the ESD foam from the boxes to line the inside of fishing lure divider boxes with TO-220, DIP12+, ETC.You can fit 3 dip 8's in one of those box dividers, its a bit perilous and you need to align it before closing to ensure you don't bend a lead but it works.It was beginning to get hard to use SMD components based on just finding them stored in plastic tubs, so I decided to get one of those containers. Factor of 10+ storage space reduction.Not sure if its the best choice for resistors because they fit in books, but for IC's it is a wise choice.You can comfortably fit 2x sample dip 8 IC into one of those boxes, 3 = manual alignment First time I can find something in 5 years LOLIt's a bit pricey but anyway if you use quality op amps, ADC, DAC, etc.. totally worth it. That little box would easily cost a very sizable sum to fill with what I have in it.Also I cleared out 3x 40 compartment adjustable divider organizers so I can have my relays, MCU, etc arranged into a nice formation rather then a digital death ball. So it actually paid for itself by freeing up 3x boxes worth 15$ each in addition to reducing Tupperware pressure from plastic overfill, I basically had fields of unsorted TO220, DIP8, DIP16, DIP40, TO-3, TO-5 filled to max density on stacked black foam in those boxes, now its single layer and properly divided up. I also freed and 'planted' around 10 tubes of DIP logic gates into the freed containers, they were basically just thrown on a shelf in random length plastic sleeve that was totally dilapidated from age (90's 7400/CD stuff).

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 01:43:56 am
content: Quote from: Microdoser on October 19, 2020, 05:46:41 pmFor anything very cheap, like resistors, I almost always buy a whole reel. I find a particular Digi-Key shipping box is designed exactly to fit 7" reels.I have a cart by the pick and place machine with about 50 reels in those boxes.I often unspool a reel and cut off the last foot or so and put that in an Akro-Mills drawer by the workbench. I have most of the common values in there.The tape can be looped up and put in the drawer. These are never put on the P&P machine, only used for prototyping and repairs.The front end of the tape can then be spun back onto the reel in a few seconds. A sharpie marker is the perfect size to make a hub to spin the reel on.Jon

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:38:46 am
content: To give an idea how I do it, I include a photo. It show two component books (one smd, and one through-hole), and the aidetek box I mentioned before. Both storage solutions (books and compartment boxes) come in different shapes and sizes. For smd books to be useful one need to buy components on tape.I have many boxes and smd books, all labeled. I use google spreadsheet to manage my "warehouse". This way I know quantity and location of all my components (except ~50-100 esd bags that I'm yet to label and put into spreadsheet). Be careful with smd components, many of them do not carry a meaningful label to identify them. That's why all tapes are in labeled compartments.

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 09:06:46 am
content: I've liked to use these 2 dram (5ml) plastic vials for the SMT parts like 0805 resistors.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 09:37:57 am
content: 1. Ordinary plastic Ziplock bags - these are the best IMO, various sizes, very cheap, very compact, transparent, can be written with a marker, doesn't spill if dropped on the floor.2. Original antistatic bags grouped in bigger boxes (for chips and alike).3. Almost any transparent plastic boxes of the same size (the ones with a lead, usually from foods or candies), good for parts or small PCBs items.4. 1/2...1/4 bottom part of PET Plastic bottles, cut the same height and stappled in groups of 4 together, can be stacked, but they have no lead, the the top 4 will gather dust over years.https://hackaday.io/project/6261-new-a-free-lab-organizer5. Many years ago I've bought plastic organizers with drawers. The worst. They were expensive, and terrible bad in day to day use. Don't like them. Half of them are still in the original plastic wrap, the other half filled with unnecessary items and almost never used.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 10:49:34 am
content: +1 for aidetek smd boxes, very handy and quite cheap. available on ebay and amazon .

author: mag_therm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 01:21:09 pm
content: I purchased a Johanson 0805 Chip Capacitor Kit.It comes with a frame of 28 compartments so no need for other storage.I wish I could find a similar kit of resistors from pro grade supplier , but they are all about US$150 minumum. A bit much for hobby use

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 01:49:27 pm
content: As they come. This is neatly followed by 50% of them ending in the carpet and about 90% of those ending up the vacuum cleaner.

author: Syntax Error
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 01:54:00 pm
content: I keep my SMD tapes in redundant 35mm negative filling sheets.I have lots of those sheets left over from the last century.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 02:11:26 pm
content: I quite like the Licefa range of boxes, like this one:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003A629NMAvailable from RS, Farnell, Ebay too. The vials are cuboid so labels stick flat on the sides.At the start I arranged the parts in value order (resistors, 0R.. 10R.. 33R.. etc) but once they fill up that's not practical and, instead, I now just have a number on the lid and that cross-references to an inventory database. Need a part: look it up in the database and that give the location. I also put a label on the side with what is actually in there, for confirmation.For larger stuff I have a variety of theplastic clip-together boxes(available cheaper elsewhere - just the first result of a search).

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 04:16:03 pm
content: I think I am edging towards the Aidetek boxes. Many many compartments that have lids which I can put a Dymo label onto all contained in a briefcase that can be put on a shelf. I can imagine having a few of them piled on each other giving me space for hundreds of component types.I will get one and see how good they keep very tiny components inside. I might remove some 0603 components from the tape and have them sat bare in a box to test.This one looks like it does what I need:https://www.amazon.co.uk/AideTek-Resistor-Capacitor-Organizer-Compartments/dp/B005HHFW5YEDIT: Just ordered one. Each compartment can hold 500x1206 components so I imagine it could hold 1000x0603 components. That is more than I need.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 04:19:37 pm
content: Quote from: DeanA on October 20, 2020, 09:06:46 amSearch for "plastic test tube" on any of the sites and you will get plenty of options with screw on lid with the lid still attached, anything.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:02:20 pm
content: QuoteNice, but I think the compartments are too big for 0603 and similar parts. An advantage of the small vial/test tube types is that you can get the thing right up to point of use before opening it, so you're basically tipping out a tiny part, or several of them, a few mm away from where it goes rather than a many inches.'Course, depends on one's preferred workflow

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:07:20 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on October 20, 2020, 07:02:20 pmIt's only about 9 inches by 6 inches. My thought is that it can sit on the workbench next to me and I'll tweezer individual components out of the box, place all I need to, then move on to the next component.It will be here tomorrow and with Prime, if I don't like it, returns are very easy. I think I will like it though.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 07:14:59 pm
content: QuoteHope you do! Please let us know what you think.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 09:34:35 pm
content: This discussion comes up oftenhttps://www.eevblog.com/product/usleeve/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/do-you-use-some-system-to-track-homelab-stock-of-components/

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2020, 11:02:54 pm
content: The possible solutions change. If we never asked stuff that had already been asked we'd be stuck in the stone age idea-wise.Well, still on Yahoo anyway.

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 12:44:17 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on October 20, 2020, 09:34:35 pmI am sure, but nobody in those threads suggested using the Aidetek little briefcases. They seem perfect for what I need. I don't think I would get on with the folders, but I could stack a few of those briefcases on top of each other. They come in various sizes so each one would be only what I need for a particular PCB so I could just pull that one to pick and place a set of boards. I don't have room for cabinets or drawers. Folders tend to need to be stood a particular way. I don't need a computerised system to keep track of components either.Asking again has produced, for me at least, better answers.

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 01:16:06 am
content: I use 35mm film pages for storing jellybean parts:https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42995-REG/Print_File_PF357BXW100_Archival_Storage_Page_for.html

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2020, 01:43:40 am
content: Quote from: Microdoser on October 20, 2020, 04:16:03 pmThey hold 0402 parts with no leakage. 12 bins to a row, 12 rows to a case, 6 decades of E24 or 12 decades of E12. The outside surface is a little slippery so they are easy to keep in a stack and pull them out as needed.

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 05:00:00 am
content: I really like my latest setup: projects in ziplock bags in file folders in filing cabinet.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 05:41:32 am
content: I think those plastic test tubes are horrible

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 11:21:06 am
content: Quote from: Kasper on October 22, 2020, 05:00:00 amI have one a filing cabinet but I keep my accounts in it. I think for me that having something on my desk and won't take up much more space than an A4 piece of paper yet gives me access to 144 components at a time will be a gamechanger in my PCB construction.I am looking forward to trying out the Aidetek boxes, I was mistaken on the delivery date, they don't tun up until tomorrow

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 08:55:55 pm
content: Quote from: Microdoser on October 21, 2020, 12:44:17 amWell now that I know the answer its easy to work backwards:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/best-toolbox-for-electronics/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/smd-component-storage/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/parts-organization/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/parts-bin-recommendation/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/smd-passive-kits/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/wentai-fake/

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2020, 10:34:13 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on October 22, 2020, 08:55:55 pmKnowing the answer does indeed make the question easier to phraseI do note that none of those threads are younger than 2 years old, well before my time here started.

author: Microdoser
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2020, 10:26:14 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on October 20, 2020, 07:14:59 pmIt has finally turned up and it is everything I hoped for. The lids latch firmly but not so firm that there is any danger of components flying everywhere when I open one. The compartments are very small, yet large enough to easily hold 1000 x 0603 resistors (possibly 2000) and appear to fully match the claimed capacity of '500 1206 items'. I have only filled less than 10% of the compartments and I feel it will see me for a while yet. Individual components are easily picked using decent tweezers.Very happy.So happy that I have ordered the antistatic version of the same item which has one side with compartments the size of the one I ordered and the other side has larger ones in it.I noticed that on AliExpress very similar items can be bought for half the price that they are on Amazon (but you have to buy two, so if you only want one then no savings)

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2020, 02:32:21 am
content: QuoteBum. I was hoping you'd say it's rubbish and then I wouldn't be tempted to get one myself (which will obviously turn into a set).

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 27, 2020, 11:42:17 am
content: Quote from: Microdoser on October 26, 2020, 10:26:14 pmFor what it's worth, I bought this one for 32euros in single quantity from here, now it's even cheaper:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/909915769.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dmyoyR0. If they let buying two different types of boxes that's good: one smd box, and one with bigger compartments for through-hole components is a nice combo.

author: ChristofferB
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 27, 2020, 12:47:21 pm
content: My go-to small parts storage solution is microcentrifuge tubes, AKA 'eppendorf tubes' - 1,5ml.They cost next to nothing (sold in bags of 1000, I paid around 25$), their only downside is the conical end, you kinda need a rack for them. However this can be a block of wood or a sheet of acryllic with holes drilled in it.

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 12:37:59 am
content: Quote from: ChristofferB on October 27, 2020, 12:47:21 pmYes, that's exactly what I'm looking for, except with a flat base so they sit upright, just like the ones in the WE development kit with an attached lid." alt="" class="bbc_img" />

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 12:52:40 am
content: Aliexpress have plenty. For instance:1.8ml vials in a pack

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 02:06:58 am
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on October 29, 2020, 12:52:40 amYes, but with the hinged lid would be perfect, like this:https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/fisherbrand-polyethylene-sample-vials-hinged-cap-1-375-dr-5ml-o-d-x-h-15-x-50mm/033381chttps://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Small-Flip-top-container-and-vials_60572677125.html?spm=a2700.details.deiletai6.5.22834a9fsXNpOG5ml is about the size I like, trying to find on aliexpress.Yes, I know, I'm being a bit picky, lol.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 02:21:54 am
content: I would do without the hinged lid since it will unbalance the vial and negate the benefit of a flat bottom. If the solution is to never have the vial standing on its own when open, it won't matter if the top is hinged or notThere areloadsof 5ml ones. Took me a while to find the smaller one since I thought 5ml far too big for 0603 and similar parts. Of course, a good setup would have a range of sizes to accommodate the different devices...

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2020, 07:05:22 am
content: I don't know how good of an idea it is to put parts like thin film resistors in something that is not ESD proof. I think you are overestimating their durability.http://www.vishaypg.com/docs/63129/esd_tn.pdfandThick Film resistors are so sensitive to ESD voltages that the application of ESD is sometimes used as a trimming method, as these resistors almost always experience negative resistance changes when exposed to ESD.ceramic capacitors and wirewound? stuff seem like the only ESD safe components to put in weird bins

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2020, 02:16:17 pm
content: That's a valid concern. Doesn't help to have a static carrier floating around the bench either!OTOH, there could be quite a difference between a lab test where one end is grounded and the other has an ESD spike applied, and fat-finger grabbing of the device. Well, fat tweezer grabbing

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2020, 09:47:37 pm
content: i would just get the black one thats slightly more expensive for R and put LC into the normal plastic one,alot of this energy is build up from the lid opening. Especially with how tight that box is, since its a snap fit.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2020, 10:00:34 pm
content: I keep my components off site and use thisfancy GUIto select the parts I need.Staff at the offsite facility then place my needed components in labeled anti-static bags and deliver them to my office for consumption

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2020, 10:53:36 pm
content: hope no one coughs, IMO waste of shipping resources to constantly have packages trucked around.. I don't see why the basics can't be kept around

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2020, 04:19:31 pm
content: As I mentioned inanother post, I usually usecoin envelopesin Kraft paper for non-ESD parts and small re-purposed ESD bags for the other items - most of them similar tothese onesfrom Desco.