How do you store your resistors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 10:10:45 am
content: I am sure all of us have bought those 1/4 watt resistor assortment kits but was curious as to how others are storing them so they are easy to find. Rather not buy those plastic storage cabinets that are used for screws, nuts etc., too much bench space.Have seen smaller ones, but one would have to fold up the leads. Was thinking of just some 2" x 3" coin paper envelopes and keeping the individual resistors in the envelopes and keep the whole works in a plastic index card box.https://youtu.be/_oehSyxSyGYAny other suggestions.

author: setq
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 10:50:02 am
content: Mine are all in a big box, loose but rolled up on tapes. I can read them on sight and think in colours so I just scratch around for a few seconds and grab the right one out. Loose ones left are just chucked in the bin.I buy 100 of each value usually. In 20 years I've only run out of a few 10 and 22 decade values. If I'm missing a value I just buy 100 of them on demand from CPC here in the UK.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 04:29:52 pm
content: Big binder with baseball card collectors inserts.

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 05:28:52 pm
content: QuoteI use a transparent plastic storage tub for all my zip-lock bags with the same thing. as for used resistors from a temporary breadboard test circuit, Now out of the resistor ribbon or roll of resistor tape. I use a transparent ziplock bag with both used resistors and the roll of resistors in the same bag of the same value. desolder'd components are keep'd separate. its True IMO plastic storage cabinets use too much bench space and do not work for me.

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 06:00:57 pm
content: I keep 'em in a cardboard box!Seriously, I by and large keep them in drawers in storage cabinets or compartmented boxes. My parts storage leaves a lot to be desired as far as consolidation goes.(That box of old CC resistors is one I got from a friend in CA - he'd purchased it many years ago in a lot of surplus stuff from a decommissioned department at some tech company. Apparently someone went through and simply dumped all the resistors they had in a big box. It'll take a lot of sorting to straighten them all out, and I'll have to test them to see how far out of spec the may be, but if they're any good I should be set of life as far as 5% carbon composition resistors go. Shame they couldn't have been 1 or 2% metal film ones...)-Pat

author: Legionary
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 06:44:41 pm
content: Quote from: Bryan on October 21, 2016, 10:10:45 amAs a user of those giant plastic storage cabinets, and currently looking at building shelving so I can reclaim bench space, I find this idea fascinating.Won't be nearly as convenient, but would take up much less space as most of the little bins I have are maybe 80-90% empty.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 07:40:33 pm
content: Not that I have that many resistors, but they used to be a tangled up pile in a small plastic tub.

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 07:45:04 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on October 21, 2016, 07:40:33 pmWhere did you get those cylindrical holders, or what are they called. One could label the top of them and really maximize space by stacking them vertically.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 07:47:27 pm
content: In a big pile on the bench...

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 08:41:18 pm
content: Quote from: Bryan on October 21, 2016, 07:45:04 pmYes, the name of them, please.There are real cheap plastic test tubes like thishttp://www.ebay.com/itm/Best-10-X-Clear-Plastic-Test-Tubes-with-Caps-Stoppers-12x100mm-/182312291879?hash=item2a72a8ce27, but they are long and taper towards the end, which will probably make them awkward for this application.Actually, it appears they are also sold in 75 mm variety, which would be perfect -http://www.ebay.com/itm/10PCS-Clear-Plastic-Test-Tubes-with-Green-Caps-Stoppers-12x75mm-/322208167651?hash=item4b051a76e3

author: rob77
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 09:06:17 pm
content: taking up just 6 drawers in a organizer boxand you can quickly find the value you need while they're not taking up too much drawers

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 09:16:35 pm
content: I got those tubes on ebay. They were called "bead storage tubes" and were listed as a crafting item. Something like these, except I didn't buy a hundred of them and I paid about double the price (per tube).http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-Clear-Plastic-Tubes-W-Hang-Caps-Container-Storage-Seed-Beads-Jewelry-Crafts-/281101470810

author: daybyter
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 09:53:25 pm
content: Just a small cardboard box with regular letter envelopes. I also have a second box for capacitors.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 10:18:56 pm
content: I got these trays years ago from a estate sale with contents, there are 5 in all and the 1-9.1compartments double up for 10to 100also has Mvalues up to 10 and doubles up for 10 M+Only the top tray is that busy and they just stack nicely on each other.100to 910tray:Oh yeah. measurements: 10" x 14"x 2" high. Stack of 5 is ~8" tall.

author: Muttley Snickers
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2016, 10:46:08 pm
content: I've always toyed with the idea of using CD storage racks for an alternate purpose, they are generally readily available around at our local council recycle centre in a variety of forms for next to nothing and cheap to buy new anyway, I have dozens of them here along with hundreds of empty CD cases that really should be put to better use.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 12:07:01 am
content: I use thewide drawer Akro Mills cabinetswhich allow three different values to be stored left to right without bending the leads in each drawer.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 12:51:04 am
content: Organiser trays here,Last i checked i have something like 2000 of each E24 value, (Inherited), along with enough silicon that i could make a life size model of myself out of the dies alone,Its kinda taken up an entire shed

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 01:01:55 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on October 22, 2016, 12:28:10 amI cut squares of black anti-static foam to place in the bottom of the compartments when ESD sensitive components will be stored.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 03:47:31 am
content: Image search provides a few ideashttps://www.google.com/search?q=resistor+storage&source=lnms&tbm=ischI keep my PTH resistors in small plastic bags, trying to have no more than 10 unique values for quick experimentation.Most of my passives are SMDs and they come in compact binders like this one. If I need to use them on a solderless breadboard i solder them to two small pieces of wires.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 03:50:55 am
content: I have one of those cut tape binder kits for 0402 and 0805. Really good for rework type jobs and playing around. It's amazing what you can get on ebay direct from China.Through hole stuff is in plain old mailing envelopes. All the used envelopes with resistors in them are marked then put back in the box they came in. Easy. Only thing that sucks is when I put an envelope back out of order.

author: hans
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 08:22:56 am
content: I have TH E12 series resistors in an organizer drawer.If I would do it again I would sort them into bags in 1 small box. I don't really like organizer drawers after using them for a while. They are a pain to transport and take up wall space. I rather put shelves on walls rather than organizer drawers.But that other time probably won't come, as I use only SMT now.For SMT I bought one of those 0402 resistor kits from Ebay for like 18$ at the time, just like illustrated above by zapta.This is by far the most convenient option. After all I find sorting parts like series of resistors and capacitors to be very tedious and annoying.The rest of my parts are in these small boxes:http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-color-50pcs-Kit-Components-Boxes-Laboratory-Storage-Box-SMT-SMD-Kits-26-33-22-/161104118886?var=&hash=item0Not really sure how antistatic they are. But I keep small SMT parts in them anyway.Just add a label printer and you can probably fit a complete E48 assortment of 0402 or 0603 resistors/ceramic caps, plus 100 IC's/small connectors into a travel bag.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 08:45:18 am
content: I've recently sorted a couple of E12 leaded resistor kits into a 13 compartment organiser box, grouped by the two prefix digits. Each bandoleer tape is labelled and the decades sorted in order within each compartment. I've got the 13th (quad size) compartment free for odds&sods, or overstock of any E12 value.I've done the organiser draws on a wall before and it is too much of a waste of wallspace. I've also done individual storage tubes (for micro 1/8W leaded resistors) and that's also a PITA as all you see is a field of tube caps, so you label each one, then almost invariably two or more caps get swapped and you spend 10 minutes putting the right cap back on the right tube, or the tube you want isn't there, and you have to chase round to see who's forgotten to return it.One organisation I was involved with had wall mounted bins for stores, one bin per item but didn't have extra bins for non-E12 values. They just put them in the closest E12 bin. Unfortunately that meant that a requisition for 20 1K resistors and 20 1K2 resistor would be met by a variable mix of 1K, 1.1K and 1.2K resistors totalling 40.Use extra draws/compartments/folder pocket sheets for non-standard values and don't try to sort them with whichever E series you stock.

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 08:52:39 am
content: This is what I was using in the last 30 years, too: sealed letter envelopes cut in half.So far, it was the best way to store various TH components in small quantities.Very easy and fast access to parts, small space footprint, very cheap and very easy to make, zero maintenance.Actually, none of the expensive organizers I have can beat the DIY ones.These ones, also the most expensive ones, are the worst: drawers are hard to open, the material is not fully transparent and you need to open 100 drawers to search for parts, dust can easily enter into closed drawers, the parts jumps out of drawers if transported by car, and so on. A total fail, but an expensive one: what's in the picture costs a couple of hundred USD. Half of them are still in their original sealed plastic foil. The other half is sparsely populated with very rare accessed parts, rare like once in a year or less.On the orange cap is embossed "TOOD". Stay away from them.Some of my other DIY organizers:https://hackaday.io/project/6261-new-a-free-lab-organizer

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 09:09:41 am
content: I am thinking now just using coin envelopes and storing them in those old school business card holders. The envelopes should fit in the plastic sleeves

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 09:24:56 am
content: No. The business card organiser wont shut nicely once more than about 1/4 its pages are filled, because parts in an envelope/sleeve are significantly thicker than a business card. You need individual organiser pocket sheets in a lever arch file, (preferably in a box case so it doesn't get crushed) to allow enough expansion at the spine.

author: Bryan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 09:29:38 am
content: Ah, that's right, forgot about that, would end up like George Costanzo's wallet.<g>https://youtu.be/yoPf98i8A0g

author: RoGeorge
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2016, 09:40:48 am
content: Quote from: Bryan on October 22, 2016, 09:09:41 amCard holders are good enough for SMDs.For TH, I found them cumbersome to extract/put back parts with small terminals, so I put the parts into a small zip lock bag, then the bag was put into card holders. Adding one extra layer, the plastic bag, made them too annoying to fiddle with, so I discontinued them as a TH parts holder.

author: Robert763
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 11:26:41 am
content: I have a very old RS component case. It was designed for the job. It's a medium sized plastic case with a foam insert carrying an array of plastic tubes long enough to hold reistors. It even came with a set of labels. Only E12 but I've annotated for E24. Higher precision are in polybags in a Realty Useful Box. No point in keeping every E48 or E96 Unlike the modern books the RS box can hold a usable quanity of resistors in each tube not just 10 or so. Shame they don't sell them any more. I do have a spare.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 02:01:19 pm
content: I use the plastic sheet protectors for SMD parts. I use a FUSE iron for making custom pockets, WeR Memory keepers, a scrapbook supplierThis is essentially a soldering iron with a roller tip. It welds the plastic sheet protector together. I just bought the tips and put them into an old soldering iron, which is temp controlled. Takes a little practice to get the temp and the speed of rolling correct. Pretty easy.This is like what Zapta showed, but full size paper sheets, in regular loose leaf binders, of course you could make them any size and you could get a bunch of Franklin Planners cheap from Salvation Army...apparently no one uses these things anymore...https://www.scrapbook.com/store/brand/we+r+memory+keepers.html?msclkid=d4fa19667f6313496bfa78958d53c6dc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Search+-+Text+-+Brands+-+We+R+Memory+Keepers&utm_term=we+r+memory+keepers&utm_content=We+R+Memory+Keepers+-+GeneralYou can make different pockets in cheap plastic sheet protectors, Pennies each protector.I use 4x6 index card boxes for axial lead regular parts. You can tape the parts to a 4x6 card and "file" it or put small plastic envelopes behind cards or use 4x6 mailing envelopes...or all these combinations.Card boxes are from Salvation Army, Again Cheap.Boxes labeled Resistors, 1% Resistors, Caps, Inductors ETC....Bigger parts are in plastic shoe boxes with cardboard filing dividers.ICs are a problem, I use parts boxes from Harbor Freight, the kind with multiple pull out "drawers" Never seem to have this under control...Wally

author: mc172
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 02:05:41 pm
content: For SMD resistors, capacitors and the like I use these:https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compartment-boxes/1016551You can get them elsewhere, which is good since I refuse to use RS as a result of what they've done to their webshite. Anyway, I like them because the vials are small - you don't need large vials to store several hundred 0805 resistors and the lids come off without any force, so you don't risk jolting and spilling them everywhere. On the other hand, it's in your best interests to make sure you don't drop the tray.I number the lids of each vial and have a reference insert in the lid.They do smaller ones too:https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/compartment-boxes/1016539

author: mazurov
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 05:48:53 pm
content: Quote from: Bryan on October 21, 2016, 07:45:04 pmSpecimen (or sample) containers (or tubes). Widely used in clinical labs around the world to pack cheek swabs, pap smears, PCRs, etc. Can be had for free - huge amounts of them are thrown away when expired. Get connected with a clinical lab worker or a janitor, you'll have plenty in no time.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 07:04:16 pm
content: Something I learned from my late dad is to use small paper envelopes to store small PTH parts (and I also use it to store SMDs as well). The advantage is that you can write any information on the envelope.Drawer bins and plastic container boxes are used for the larger parts (ICs, power transistors, etc.)More photos at:https://sites.google.com/view/vbeletronico/componentes

author: trophosphere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 07:19:45 pm
content: I useResistor Kitsfrom Analog Technologies. If I need to breadboard a circuit then I use one ofthese adaptersto convert the SMD resistor to a more bread-board friendly variant.

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 09:39:18 pm
content: Quote from: Robert763 on January 28, 2022, 11:26:41 amSnap.Funilly enough. I thought you copied my pictures. I took them over 11 years ago.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/component-organization/msg12987/#msg12987

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 28, 2022, 11:05:19 pm
content: Component drawers, ziplock baggies, repurposed photograpic paper boxes, sorting boxes. I try to keep all E24 values in stock in THT, 1206 and 0805. u

author: Jester
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 01:08:44 am
content: I use one of these rotating cubes, one side is for resistors, one side for capacitors etc.

author: rfclown
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2022, 12:51:10 am
content: The small envelope thing has worked great for me. I have one box with most used parts: 1, 10, 100, 1k.... 1M resistors, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 uF capacitors, 2N3904, 2N3906, etc. Then one box with all other resistors. An old Velveeta box is the perfect size for the small envelopes.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 30, 2022, 03:09:58 am
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/test-equipment-anonymous-(tea)-group-therapy-thread/msg3971501/#msg3971501

author: DeanA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2022, 03:24:01 am
content: Quote from: Bryan on October 21, 2016, 07:45:04 pmThey look like 2 dram vials,https://toolcraft.net.au/Plastic-Vials-1-Dram-to-50-Dram~116if you don't want that plastic hanger thing on the top, I store my SMT bits in them.

author: Vovk_Z
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2022, 11:05:17 pm
content: Some portion of my wired resistors bought as kit from China are stored in a box:

author: gbaddeley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 10:52:49 am
content: I scrolled thru the entire thread to see if anyone does what I do. The post above is easily the most cost effective and simplest means of storing and being able to quickly find and get out components - little plastic baggies standing up on in a box with values written in permanent marker. Much better than opaque paper envelopes.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 04:42:27 pm
content: The baggies are OK for bandoliered resistors (the plastic is not so hot for loose resistors with pointy ends floating around). But I don't think it's very successful for 'components' that aren't overall flat, or otherwise bulky. Or tiny.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 10:00:55 pm
content: Well, not to mention the plastic bags don't hold their shape as well as the paper envelopes, which may make things a bit messy inside a box. Sure, the envelopes don't also hold bulky things; that is why I have multiple solutions for storage, including plastic bags for loose capacitors, for example. Not one size fits all.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 10:10:43 pm
content: What might be a useful mix could be a paper/card envelope with the front mostly a transparent window. The tree stuff should keep the plastic stuff in shape and you get the benefits of both. No idea if anyone does those, though (maybe a business idea there!).

author: Cubdriver
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 10:26:41 pm
content: Quote from: dunkemhigh on February 25, 2022, 10:10:43 pmOr perhaps a piece of manila file folder or index card cut to fit the plastic bag and inserted as a backer to hold its shape. Bonus is you could write the value on the card stock in black sharpie and it would be easy to see and not rub off as it might if written on a poly bag.-Pat

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 11:11:41 pm
content: Quote from: Cubdriver on February 25, 2022, 10:26:41 pmLike the way this guy does it:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/resistor-kit/msg3578649/#msg3578649

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2022, 11:58:06 pm
content: Nah, far too practical

author: kallek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2022, 05:14:12 pm
content: This way. In the 10,12 drawer for example there are 10, 100, 1K... and 12, 120, 1.2K... resistors. If I run out of stock any E6 value I buy 100 of them. I have own drawers for the E3 and E6 values. I have marked every tape with marker so I can easily identify them.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2022, 06:34:02 pm
content: So happy to share this tip:Try those 'Pill Organizers' for small resistors, maybe.But for small springs, fuses, screws, tiny LDR light sensors, etc etcBon Appetite !

author: rcjoy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2022, 05:15:42 am
content: 2"x3" 4-mil zip-lock poly bags from McMaster-Carr:https://www.mcmaster.com/1959T71Less than $3.00 for 100.