Storage/Parts boxes

[David Hess]

Ammo cans are way too big and you can't see into them making it a bit harder to know what you're getting.

Watch out when using ammo cans to store anything.  They seal well enough that outgassing can be a problem if the gases will react with other things stored in the ammo can.

For people in Australia looking for a good option, I propose these
http://www.fischerplastics.com.au/product-range/clear-storage-boxes.aspx
Comes in various sizes with various sized compartments.

I have some similar ones and they are very nice.  The insides of the compartments are even curved so small parts do not get stuck in the corners or edges.

The problem I have is that whenever I find some, they are discontinued after I buy a bunch so now I have several collections which do not match.

[TimInCanada]

Here's a question about the plastic food tubs and ESD.  I've also been using them for larger bits like scope probes, driver sets, etc.  There are some things (e.g., Bus Pirate, FTDI cable, etc.) that are static sensitive to some degree.  Is there a danger of these plastic tubs creating ESD when moved around?

[jh15]

I've made Layden jars from Tupperware and other food plastic containers. Hold thousands of volts of charge for a long time

[Rbastler]

https://www.amazon.de/Stanley-Kleinteilemagazin-bruchfester-Kunststoffrahmen-1-93-980/dp/B008DHZXRC/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1490966641&sr=1-1&keywords=Stanley+Kleinteilemagazin

I found this boxes first in my home towns OBI. There also boxes with bigger compartments, but still the same sie. So you can easily stack them. I now use almost entierly those. Better stick to one system, instead of having a big varaiety of boxes. Unfortunatly the nearest OBI where I study doesnt have them. Luckily amazon does

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

[TimInCanada]

Thousands of volts?  Well, there goes that easy solution to storage...   

[David Hess]

Here's a question about the plastic food tubs and ESD.  I've also been using them for larger bits like scope probes, driver sets, etc.  There are some things (e.g., Bus Pirate, FTDI cable, etc.) that are static sensitive to some degree.  Is there a danger of these plastic tubs creating ESD when moved around?

I bought a roll of black antistatic foam and cut out squares to fit into the bottoms of the drawers where I think this could be a problem.

[rdl]

I bought a roll of black antistatic foam and cut out squares to fit into the bottoms of the drawers where I think this could be a problem.

I did something similar for my Akro Mills drawers, except I bought a sheet of antistatic foam which is fairly stiff. I can fit two layers in a drawer and stick stuff in on both sides. I also keep a few small pieces on the bench to stick random stuff in so nothing gets lost.

[eugenenine]

I did that back when I used those drawers but I learned the hard way to not use drawers

[David Hess]

I did that back when I used those drawers but I learned the hard way to not use drawers.

Did you knock a cabinet over?

[jh15]

I remember having early cmos stuff in black foam in drawers in the 80's. Looks like some or all is corrosive over time? I went to extract a chip, and there were no pins on it. Way before one-hung-low, and in an aerospace facility for test equipment repair.

[David Hess]

I remember having early cmos stuff in black foam in drawers in the 80's. Looks like some or all is corrosive over time? I went to extract a chip, and there were no pins on it. Way before one-hung-low, and in an aerospace facility for test equipment repair.

I do not remember the details but one of the plastics they used for foams was not stable in the long term and would rot releasing fumes.  I have not run across that with antistatic foam.

[eugenenine]

I did that back when I used those drawers but I learned the hard way to not use drawers.

Did you knock a cabinet over?

I've knocked cabinets over, off the hangers, spilled the drawers, etc.  I make sure to always use boxes with latching lids now.

[jaunty]

for the record - these are nice. if too pricey in the US 'stanley' makes a cheap knock off ...

https://www.amazon.com/Sortimo-STB-321-A-T-BOXX/dp/B00AE0AOZC/ref=pd_sbs_469_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00AE0AOZC&pd_rd_r=38401504-be43-11e8-9f86-cff56757bc74&pd_rd_w=zonZJ&pd_rd_wg=MyEiR&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=0bb14103-7f67-4c21-9b0b-31f42dc047e7&pf_rd_r=3PQRYVD990B0A56WHZ0P&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&refRID=3PQRYVD990B0A56WHZ0P&th=1

[jaunty]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CEZ2T/ref=psdc_13400721_t1_B002UZZ06M

this one too - following the sortimo ones

[David Hess]

Sometimes in expensive but nice polypropylene divided parts boxes with the hinged lids show up at Home Depot or Lowe's but I never buy enough of them.  The bottoms on mine are curved at the edges making it easy to finger parts out without them getting stuck in the corner.