For the sake of complaining....

[gilbenl]

Finally got a hold of some LT5400 ver A samples. This is an IC with 4 extremely well matched, low temp co resistors in a single package. Great for diff amps and bridges. http://www.linear.com/product/LT5400

Anyway, had one out on the bench to solder to an adapter. For some inexplicable reason (beer), I decided to do a quick resistance check with my multimeter. So I measure and sure enough identical values--Quite the worthwhile and revelatory experiment. I set my probes down and then turn back to my desk...no IC.

Step 1-Don't move. Check the probes, shirt, lap.
Step 2-Clear the bench, piece by piece.
Step 3-Stand up, side step, check chair, shoes, floor.
Step 4-Spend 30 minutes on hands and knees picking through dust bunnies. Find everything else you've ever lost...except what you're looking for.
Step 5-Say screw it, get another beer, go on EEVBlog and bitch about how you lost a $16 IC.

[Neilm]

Step 6 - unpack replacement IC on desk then realise you have just put it down next to your "missing" chip.

[electr_peter]

DMM cables are main suspects - they attach to any sharp thing, drag things around for no reason.

[rsjsouza]

If your lab is like mine, it probably slipped under the washing machine (my "lab" is shared with brooms of all sorts, cleaning products and a pair of washer/drier machines).

That or some other day you will be hearing a crunch sound or feeling as if eight fireants are biting your foot.

[Cubdriver]

I do that frequently, but usually with a tool.  I'm on the midst of using it, put it down and it seems to vanish into thin air.     After 20 minutes of searching, it uncloaks itself, and is sitting in the middle of the bench, in a place I've looked thirty times.     Poltergeist at work?

-Pat

[SL4P]

... and using a small neo-magnet to keep things nearby when disassembling...

Two minutes later... "where are those tiny screws"
They walked away with the screwdriver blade or whatever else appeared attractive to the magnet! 

That scewdrive that overbalanced, hit the floor, and sent the tiny parts and magnet into low-earth (non-)orbit...
Somewhere on the bench, the floor - or never to be seen again!

- and it all started out with the best intentions of using a magnet to keep the parts safe !

[gilbenl]

Appreciate the commiserations, gents. I have 3 more. Needed 4. Suppose the rep will give me another freebie, but man, the pride, she smarts. Gave it the old try for the search though.

Anyhoo, to make my bitching worthwhile, anyone else use these ice trays to keep parts in order during disassembly/assembly? Works a treat. I try to get the small ones used in mini fridges. About 8"X2.5".

 

[daqq]

Maybe you got the chameleon series? It's hiding, stalking lesser resistors?

[Cubdriver]

Ahh yes.  Ice cube trays.  Ideally with a little tiny burr that can catch on your sleeve and permit you to fling all the parts on the floor in one fell swoop.  More efficient that way, you know.   

I came across some really old (old like in metal with a screw top) 35mm film canisters a few months ago and have been trying to use them to hold enclosure hardware and whatnot.  As long as I'm diligent about putting the tops on, they're reasonably klutz-resistant (note that I didn't say proof), and much easier to find when knocked off the bench.

-Pat

[rsjsouza]

Anyhoo, to make my bitching worthwhile, anyone else use these ice trays to keep parts in order during disassembly/assembly? Works a treat. I try to get the small ones used in mini fridges. About 8"X2.5".

Anything without a cover is unfortunately doomed for disaster for me (same reasons as Cubdriver pointed), unless it weights a ton. Something similar to the panavise 312 tray base mount.

I came across some really old (old like in metal with a screw top) 35mm film canisters a few months ago and have been trying to use them to hold enclosure hardware and whatnot.  As long as I'm diligent about putting the tops on, they're reasonably klutz-resistant (note that I didn't say proof), and much easier to find when knocked off the bench.

My dad and I have been using 35mm photo plastic cylinder containers for decades, but I am always looking for solutions out there (as these containers are rare nowadays).

[TiN]

Been there, exactly with LT5400 as well. Perhaps they should add warning in datasheet "prone to get lost in lab mess". Spent 2 days to find a bastard in the carpet.

Is that due overly dedication or because I just don't drink beer, so step 5 does not apply?

[GreyWoolfe]

Appreciate the commiserations, gents. I have 3 more. Needed 4. Suppose the rep will give me another freebie, but man, the pride, she smarts. Gave it the old try for the search though.

Anyhoo, to make my bitching worthwhile, anyone else use these ice trays to keep parts in order during disassembly/assembly? Works a treat. I try to get the small ones used in mini fridges. About 8"X2.5".

I use foam egg crates for organizing screws.  Free after eating the eggs.  We buy our eggs in 18 packs so when cut in half, it makes a small footprint.