Component organization/storage options

[guy2600]

I'm new to electronics and after doing a few projects, I'm looking for a way to get my components organized. Most of what I have are breadboard type/sized components. Any good options out there? I'd love to get something like this but the compartments are way to small for my needs: http://cgi.ebay.com/SMT-resistor-capacitor-storage-box-Organizer-1206-0805-/180524744703?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item2a081cffff I'm having a hard time finding anything. Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[neoone]

just get some of those http://www.szufladki.com/ (of course in your country or ebay ) For example I use those http://www.szufladki.com/mini.html for resistors and capacitors organized by E12/E24. They come in many sizes and have modular structure.

[metalphreak]

I have 4 of these for various components: http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6323&CATID=32&form=CAT&SUBCATID=314

I also have tons of these little configurable storage boxes: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cubic-configurable-storage-toolboxes-10-pack-4580

5x10 blocks hold 50 values of SMD resistors (one for 1206/0805/0603) similar thing for capacitors. Then a general block for random SMD parts.

There are also these: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/configurable-storage-toolboxes-3-pack-4727

Same thing but 3x the size. They clip together neatly with the smaller boxes. You can fit a decent amount of through hole parts in them. Crystals, capacitors etc.

[Zero999]

I use two cases to store E12 values from 1R to 10R and 1M ato 10M and all the E24 values between 10R and 1M.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=987.0

[saturation]

Storage boxes from fishing or craftwork section of a Walmart or similar store; about $1-6 each for 10+ compartments.

You needn't store every single Ex value in a its own bin.  You need one set of E12 precision components to use for testing designs [1 or 2 Plano boxes worth], then buy fresh parts for final assembly.  If you try to stock parts for future designs you know nothing about its bill of materials, you'll soon have an inventory problem, too much of something, too little of another, and a lot of space used that can be purposed for something else.



Note, that's one box for resistors, capacitors, inductors, ICs, etc., so it does add up.  Trying to stock what you don't know you need yet could turn your workspace into a Digikey warehouse.

[insurgent]

I have all thru-hole components as all my stuff is 15 years old. For surface mount,  a more efficient solution as mentioned above and in Hero999's thread link would be called for.

I have a cabinet of drawers similar to this.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKUSYS
You can also get hybrid units with the small drawers and some larger drawers in the same unit like this
http://www.amazon.com/Stack-DS-39-Drawer-Storage-Cabinet/dp/B000HJBA1W

There are also some that come with dividers for the drawers so you can subdivide the 6 inch or so drawer into smaller compartments.

I don't vouch for these manufacturers of course.

[alvarop]

I got some of the resistor value packs from futurlec and ended up putting them in a binder.

I also have these container boxes I bought at the Home Depot a few months ago. They're not the best, but they are portable. I stay away from those vertical/wall mounted storage boxes. Every time I move, I have to be careful not to tip them over, otherwise everything falls out. I might have to get some of those SMT boxes at some point...

[guy2600]

Thanks for all the insight! I ended up going with a unit like this from mcmaster carr. I figured it will store all my components in addition to the misc wires, leads etc I have. Almost have my home lab setup complete