Parts organization - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ctwilkie
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 18, 2018, 02:54:53 pm
content: Hey all, I've been collecting random electronic parts over the years and have a terrible storage system of basically throwing everything into a couple different boxes and searching through my "parts dumpsters" every time I'm bored and want to work on some sort of weird beginner/hobbyist project. Just curious does anyone have any tips or want to share their own storage systems for managing large amounts of electronic parts/tools?

author: mdszy
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2018, 03:11:21 pm
content: These plastic parts drawers are basically my favorite thing. I have a couple and use a label maker to label the drawers. They work perfectly for small parts, and for bigger parts they have versions with some larger drawers too.Otherwise I really like to use these for parts that are much too large for the drawers.

author: ctwilkie
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 18, 2018, 04:36:41 pm
content: Hey, those look cool! I think I might have seen those parts drawers at Harbor Freight? Also happened to find this from some google searching for some more ideashttp://www.opencircuits.com/Component_and_Parts_Storage

author: Wimberleytech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2018, 08:26:54 pm
content: Because I have so many low-count items for my arduino, I use these:https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-11-in-Parts-Bin-Organizer-83052N13/204536847There is a smaller version as well.One bin is dedicated to sensors (accelerometers, gyros, temp sensors...) and another box with just radio stuff.The smaller bin has various arduino implementations (e.g. Nano).

author: Domagoj T
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2018, 08:40:37 pm
content: I use this for SMD passives.https://www.ebay.com/itm/AideTek-SMD-resistor-capacitor-storage-box-Organizer-0603-0402-144-compartments/281543611085?hash=item418d4e92cd:g:tsQAAOSwxu5ZMMh7:rk:2:pf:0I have one for each package size. Each compartment has its own hinged lid (not that flappy plastic thing that breaks after a while, it's a proper hinge) that seals with a good click. Each compartment fits a few hundred 1206 resistors.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2018, 03:34:22 am
content: Try your local Lowes. I have given up on Home Depot for a lot of things like this as the quality of the products they sell has really dropped the last several years. My Lowes stocks three different configurations of small parts organizers having a mix of smaller and larger drawers. Prices are pretty reasonable in the $15-$25 range.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2018, 09:54:00 am
content: AideTek and smd books FTW. AideTek comes in two flavors: normal and ESD-safe. For sensitive components I suggest buy an ESD-safe storage. Although, there are debates if this is really needed and what are changes to kill something. But I prefer to be on a safe side.I also bought a cheap label printer. I like the idea, too bad keyboard is not qwerty.

author: spec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2018, 10:17:48 am
content: @ ctwilkieIn addition to the physical storage methods already posted, it can be very helpful to keep a record of your components. Of course, it would be a mammoth task to enter all of your parts, and sub assemblies are particularly difficult. But the core components: resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, chips, etc are not too difficult to record.I just use a simple Word table rather than a fancy database.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 19, 2018, 10:24:28 am
content: Quote from: Domagoj T on October 18, 2018, 08:40:37 pmI prefer to keep SMDs in the strips they come in:less work upfrontSMDs out of their strips all look identical; mark type on the stripwhen (not if) a slip occurs, the SMDs will fly all over the placeI don't see a benefit to the small "pill containers" vs putting strips in ordinary drawersOthers disagree; basically it is personal preference

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 19, 2018, 10:56:18 am
content: Quote from: tggzzz on October 19, 2018, 10:24:28 amUse SMD books! I totally agree repacking from strips into pill containers is useless. But I have enough smd and TH parts in small quantities that are not in strips for some reasons.+1 to the database. I use google spreadsheet. There I put part number, source (distributor name to distinguish real parts from part from ali express), location, and parameters (voltage, tolerance, etc). Now I have ~1k different parts grouped into 10-20 categories (e.g., bjts, fets, opamps, mcu, passives, etc). Makes my life much easier.*UP* attached an image how I store my components. I have a box with bigger compartments for bigger parts. I try to organize stuff by rows.

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 01:28:06 am
content: Those are or are based on theAkro-Mills plastic cabinets. Thewider drawersare nice because 1/4 and 1/2 watt sized parts fit side-to-side allowing two dividers to produce 3 spaces within each drawer. I used to find them at art supply stores.Akro-Mills used to make a lot more styles of these cabinets including metal ones and stackable ones but the selection is very limited now.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 02:13:03 am
content: Since you apparently are close to a Harbor Freight, look over their options. They have a decent selection of the various options.Exactly what you need is going to depend on how much stuff you have, how organized it needs to be, some room for your future needs, and of course your own preferences on the matter.

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 08:32:01 am
content: ctwilkie great thread you have started! Hope that I may add a question that I do think that you also are looking to get answered.How do you all sort your components, resistors, caps, IC's, diodes and so on?

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 09:23:32 am
content: Quote from: FriedMule on October 20, 2018, 08:32:01 amSort where? Physically, or in the spread sheet?Anyway, in spreadsheet I sort by function, application, performance, package, etc. For example, resistors: smd (subcategories: 0402, 0603, 0805), TH, high-power and shunts separately.ICs: separate group for each application (MCU, opamp, PMIC, voltage references, digital isolators, drivers, and others).I also put characteristics in separate columns (e.g., power rating, tolerance, etc) in a hope that one day I'll learn how to sort by columns. Also, I specify item location and quantity.Physically: I try to cluster things (e.g., opamps, PMIC, MCU). This is not always perfectly possible as I have just a few MCU, but many,e.g., voltage references. From time to time (once a years or so) I re-balance stuff. A bit tedious, but well worth it. With smd books it's not really needed: just insert a new sheet if previous one is full. Boxes with compartments require physically move parts and change labels.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 10:01:59 am
content: I try to avoid putting parts in front of me, it takes up too much space and looks cluttered. Mine are in desk A4 file drawers at the moment on a shelf behind me. You do want a system where you can easily grab them and move them to the bench however.My preferred system would be small configurable parts boxes but stacked vertically likebookshelfbooks. Or use antistatic bags or envelopes upright in partitioned roller draws similar to acard filesystem. Both are fairly efficient and easy to scale in size.

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 10:26:00 am
content: Sorry for not be clear enough, After choosing a physical sollution as above, i.e. a cabined with lots of drawers, how would you sort them in these drawers?

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 11:55:29 am
content: Quote from: FriedMule on October 20, 2018, 10:26:00 amThe idea is to recreate the vintage card file system in a modern roller drawer. Go for drawers slightly higher than your antistatic bags. Partition the drawers front to back with a thin strip of wood/card/plastic according to the width of your antistatic bags. Now you have your miniature drawer file cabinets. Add labels near the top of the bags for easy identification, color code them if need be.You can use pocket envelopes for non static sensitive components, also store small parts boxes vertically. So this way you should be able to store leaded, smd and loose components like a box of caps all in the same drawer.You can get creative on how many types of components you can vertically integrate into one static bag or how you make your bags or pocket envelopes.

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 20, 2018, 04:47:54 pm
content: I use a mix of storage methods to keep my parts, I had to adapt as the components numbers started growing. For resistors and capacitors with a wide range of values I use plastic drawers, I think it easier to pick a value and they are modular so I can stack them as needed. The SMD components I keep in these little boxeshttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/fast-shipping-50pcs-SMD-SMT-component-container-storage-boxes-electronic-case-kit-the-1-Automatically-pops/32367611676.htmlI found it is a PITA to organize in the first time, but after it is done it's easy to keep it. And finally, the ICs e Arduino type modules are kept in some plastic organizer box. Every compartment is individually labeled so I can easily identify what is in it.Regarding a system to keep track of my stock I didn't bother to have one yet. I have a look at Partkeepr, it looks cool, but I think it might be an overkill for my needs, I will end simply using a excel spreadsheet.

author: MudAndSnow
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 04:41:47 am
content: I like keeping parts (cut tape or reels) in the bags they arrive in. Filing cabinets work well for that since file folders are similar dimensions to bags except usually a bit bigger.

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 06:42:59 am
content: I use some old filing cabinets to keep power tools in. Works well, especially for keeping the extras and spares with the tool.

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 03:27:41 pm
content: I went with a combination of Akro-Mills drawers, plastic baggies and an Excel database hooked to a Brother label printer. You may want to look at my (and others) posts in this old threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/how-do-you-organize-all-your-components/msg1132066/#msg1132066

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 08:19:40 pm
content: Actually, when buying from suppliers such as Mouser, Digi-key, etc, I think it's best to just leave parts in the packaging they come in and store those packages in boxes or whatever. I keep a spreadsheet so I know what I have and where it is. I do have a bunch of loose parts from when I first got started in electronics and didn't know better, which are stored in Akro Mills cabinets.

author: castingflame
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 09:15:05 pm
content: It takes a lot of effort outside of your 'electronics' days to organise your components. Personally I believe it is the single most important factor in being successful with this subject. A label maker and lots of small resealable bags is mandatory. Treat it as a religion and it will pay you back many fold when you are working with a lot of stuff in your head an you just pick a component from a box like magic without stress in a matter of seconds and continue your work. It is a major non-stress factor for me. We are not all the same though. I can show photos of my setup if it will help. God luck.

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 09:17:10 pm
content: I have 5 of the plastic parts drawers like mdszy shows in post 2. I keep the most popular parts values in these drawers, in sequential order. Example: 10 ohm, 22 ohm,....1K, 10K,...47K, 100K, 220K, .001uF, .01uF,...1uF, 10uF, 22uF,...100uF, 220uF, 470uF, etc. The resistor and capacitor drawers hold both leaded and smd parts. Semiconductors are handled the same way, most popular discrete parts such as transistors and voltage regulators, most popular ICs. I do not keep any microprocessors in these drawers. I also have drawers with most popular hardware such as 4-40 in and 3 mm screws, spacers, washers, and nuts. Each drawer is labeled with contents. The cabinets came with plastic insert dividers so most resistors drawers have 2 values in them with the dividers in between. The cabinets tend to have common components in them, one cabinet for resistors, one for capacitors, one for semiconductors, etc. Since the hardware items are not very many, those get mixed in with other stuff in the misc cabinet.All other parts are stored in boxes according to the type of part. Semiconductors in one box, resistors another, capacitors another, inductors another, and so on. There are a few misc boxes that store modules and items that I may only have a couple of. All purchases from suppliers that do not go in the plastic drawers are kept in their packaging inside the boxes. Each box is numbered and some items are in separate large bags in the boxes. As an example, I keep leaded capacitors and smd capacitors in separate larger bags. The bags are marked with sub-numbers. That is, one of my capacitor boxes is number 3. Inside the number 3 box, are large bags marked 3-1 and 3-2. The 3-1 bag has leaded capacitors and 3-2 has smd capacitors. I have 9 different spreadsheets that keep track of what part is in what box.I implemented all of this about 10 years ago when I found out I kept ordering parts and a few days later found out I had several of the items already in a box. It took me about 2 weeks to go through and organize everything in the boxes and enter it all into the spreadsheets. Ever since then as parts come in, they are put where they belong and the spreadsheets updated. Before I place an order for parts, I simply check the spreadsheets and cabinets to see if I already have the parts in stock. It was initially a lot of work but has paid off.I also have several larger boxes on the shelves to store stuff such as larger transformers, large electrolytics, circuit boards removed from equipment (for parts salvaging), wire, etc. The ends of the boxes are marked with their contents.I have used this system for so long that I pretty much know from memory which cabinet or box to go to when I need something. Occasionally I do have to scan the cabinets and boxes when my memory fails me.

author: FriedMule
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 10:56:57 pm
content: Thanks, you have helped me a LOT!! :-)In the start I was concerned about how to sort the components. I could see a giant sorting nightmare before me, alone the resistors: value, percentage, wattage, E24 and so on:-)Now I it seems less of a task but yes something that shall be done every time:-)

author: Jasonbit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 21, 2018, 11:35:03 pm
content: I have troubles with separator in drawers. Because the separator is not completely glued to the bottom of the drawer and I have components (resistance, diodes, etc.) to pass between spaces. This is annoying!I solved the problem through hot glue in all separator. I have more a less 500 drawers and each drawer has four separators

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 22, 2018, 04:12:49 am
content: I have dozens of plastic tubs with lids. My stuff are categorized but not divided into each values. Since all of my parts are through-hole type or larger, this system works for me. I plan to use books when I go down to SMD.

author: PhysicsDude55
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 23, 2018, 02:48:11 am
content: If you have a 3d printer (or access to one) these customizable trays that fit inside common small parts organizers are fantastic. When I was re-organizing all my parts I bought a 3d printer primarily to print out a bunch of these organizers.https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2836113I also bought a bunch of shoebox tubs ($1 each at home depot) for larger items (cables, relays, usb chargers, etc.) , and put chalkboard labels on them. Works really well!

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2018, 02:07:59 am
content: I use a lot of thesehttp://www.planomolding.com/fishing/stowawayr-utility-boxesdifferent sizes for different things.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2018, 02:59:59 am
content: You need one of these and a 300mm bed 3D printerThe design was only done yesterday and I have only printed the base out so far (lid is on the printer as I type)3mm radius bottoms to help getting the small bits out (biggest PITA), custom sizing of the internal baffles as needed. Simple slide latch for the front. 1mm Nichrome based pin hinge for the lid. Cost about $4-5 in materials and 20 hours printing time. STL's could be available when I am happy it works well as designed.Not economical but satisfying

author: TERRA Operative
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2018, 05:06:53 am
content: For electrolytic capacitors, I use the drawers as shown above.My sorting method is on three axis as follows.Horizontal: 1uf, 10uf, 100uf, 1000uf, 10000uf etc.Vertical: Increasing standard values, ie. 10uf, 22uf, 33uf, 47uf etc.Then each drawer is organised low to high voltage rating, front to back.Works well and keeps things logical.

author: Pirateguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2018, 11:11:34 am
content: those cabinets with the little drawers drive me nuts!they are never the right size for anything and any time i grab a component ispend another 30 seconds trying to get the rest to fit in there so i can close the drawer.and of course the next time i grab that drawer it will get stuck in there...anyway the real problem i had was with larger components.currently i am using these:https://www.action.com/nl-nl/p/werckmann-opbergkoffer-/in those i keep larger things like flyback coils, display modules, switches, buttons, etc etc.i am gonna put a sticker on each of them and divide the stuff into categories per box; switches, displays, high voltage, motors, etc etc.for discrete stuff i plan to some time switch to a system with larger drawers and divide values withziplock baggies or something like that.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 24, 2018, 12:38:20 pm
content: Quote from: Pirateguy on October 24, 2018, 11:11:34 amYep! Unfortunately, there are only few flexible options allowing drawers to be of different width/height. That's why I count on my 3d printer to solve this issue.

author: not1xor1
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2018, 09:01:23 am
content: Quote from: exe on October 24, 2018, 12:38:20 pmin this case thermoforming (a DIY thermoformer is much cheaper than a 3D printer) is cheaper and much faster than 3Dprinting

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2018, 09:18:19 am
content: Quote from: not1xor1 on October 25, 2018, 09:01:23 amActually that is a great idea you could purchase or setup one how you like it and duplicate it.

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2018, 11:24:10 pm
content: QuoteVac Forming is great for production speed for small runs once you have a the mold and don't mind trimming plastic. Even a home brew setup costs some $ for bits and plenty of time to get it right. So sub $300 USD for an Ender Pro or even less for the standard one is great value and works within an hour of opening the box. Both have pros and cons and I own both.Got the lid and latch sorted on the design above. Can be turned over, shaken and seems to keep even the washers in the right compartment so I call that done

author: joeyjoejoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2018, 12:38:53 am
content: SMD - AideTek Box-All 144https://www.amazon.ca/AideTek-BOX-ALL-Enclosures-Capacitor-Organizer/dp/B00A15YHJY/Shoulda got two 96's maybe.. but pretty good.Resistors - 3D Printed box and coin envelopesPrototyping, some SMT, smaller breakouts/Arduino/sensors/etc, solder, tweezers, wick, catch-allPlano 23620-01https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000E3C3NUCheap, SOLID clasps and tight compartments.Larger breakouts/medium size mischttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-2pcs-lot-Plastic-Portable-Clear-Transparent-jewelry-boxes-plastic-acrylic-cosmetic-nail-art-Pill-box/2025924105.html(This price is a bit of a rip off, I payed 1$ per container)I'm addicted to these. They are the boxes that the EMAX motors come in for drones.Everything else - big storage box under the bed.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2018, 01:14:41 am
content: Quote from: Shock on October 20, 2018, 11:55:29 amJoeyjoejoe has a good system which is what I'm moving to. Putting containers on end like he has means easy selection and removal, same goes for the small packets or stuff left in antistatic bags.Just got to stay away from either too deep/shallow drawers. Shallow drawers great for tools, but bags and labels etc always get caught up. Deep drawers (unless you stack inside them vertically) tend to get other stuff packed in on top or are a waste of space. Go for roller drawers if you have the option.

author: Jasonbit
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2018, 09:53:34 pm
content: Can I use a simply air bubble plastic to conditioning and damping of components? Just like this?https://snag.gy/C8cST4.jpgThanks

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2020, 01:01:03 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on October 20, 2018, 10:01:59 amHello me from two years back. Maximum storage density level unlocked!Finally pulled the trigger on many full sized steel card file cabinets. These are about 1600mm x 600mm x 600mm, wide and quite substantial archival quality cabinets. Great condition aside from needing to lube the drawer rollers (probably the first time it's been done). Secondhand I paid just over scrap prices so made off like a bandit. If I brought new today could have easily spent $4-5k.The drawer depth is perfect as mentioned for antistatic bag or envelope parts filing, the density of one drawer is about 4 of the hobbyist parts storage cabinets. Plenty of room for multimeters, instrument cases, probe pouches, manuals etc.Doesn't really convey the size well but imagine a large row of these.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2020, 08:44:29 pm
content: This is a rather old thread but a couple of ideas have been missed here. The problem with these discussions of course is that what is right for storage depends upon what is being stored.First I didn't see anybody mention mechanics tool boxes such as:https://buykennedy.com/products/kseries/. Now you may say not exactly a storage solution and you would be correct with an as delivered tool box. The solution is:https://www.schallercorporation.com/view-all-products/bins to give you a poor mans Vidmar type solution. This is great for larger dimensioned parts such as steppers large caps, inductors, variable caps and etc. If you go to larger roll around carts, you can move our bulk storage out of the way when needed. More so you get great storage density in those roll arounds. So don't think of "Tool Boxes" as tool boxes but rather storage options that can be had cheap.Another option that has some value in even electronics lab, is the contractor storage brief cases. An example being:https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Storage-Solutions/PACKOUT/48-22-8430which is suitable for bulkier items or stuff you buy in quantity. They are also great for mechanical parts like nuts and bolts, bearings, pulleys and other stuff for electromechanical projects.The next option is:https://www.uline.com/Grp_324/Corrugated-Bins?pricode=WU296&AdKeyword=uline%20cardboard%20bins&AdMatchtype=e&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6LuL85a36wIViJWzCh0EUwdDEAAYASAAEgIey_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.dsor cardboard storage. The only big problem here is that uline expects you to buy 100 at a time. However you are talking very cheap if you need a lot of bins.Also don't dismiss manufactures of fishing gear. Flambeau for example has ESD storage:https://www.flambeaucases.com/conductive-storage-cabinet-1036.aspxalong with its more conventional storage solutions. Some of these are great for travel so if you go to maker events may be of interest.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 12:41:11 am
content: Automotive tool drawer chests I found were one of the more expensive options and there is a lot of competition for quality secondhand drawers.Great at waist work height if you can access them while at the bench but flexibility and portability drops right off due to the shallow drawer depth and weight when on a cabinet with castors.If they are out of reach I think containers in drawers are more convenient. Automotive drawers unfortunately don't work well if you have a lot of odd shaped containers and would be an overkill for this anyway. Great for large sets of tools though.As I mentioned in a previous post, the "grab and move to the bench" usefulness of containers is really hard to beat. For tools I currently use tool boxes and a carpenters carry box which is a similar concept for portability. I may add a miniature tool wall for some small hand tools and a table drawer at some point.

author: basinstreetdesign
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2020, 03:29:58 am
content: For SMTs I can't fault these pages. These are 0805 R's and C's