Storage/Parts boxes

[raptor1956]

I'm just getting back into playing around with electronics after being away for about 16 years and as I'm going through my stuff I have cr@p in cardboard boxes, DIP tubes, and other boxes of various sizes and shapes -- things that I could find when I packed the stuff up to move.  So, I'm wondering what people are using for parts and storage boxes these days.  I don't have very much SMD stuff now, mostly through-hole, so for components I'd need some through-hole boxes.  The most common boxes I can find at Home Depot or Lowes are the clear plastic types with removable compartment dividers and I'm not real fond of those as the little stuff always seems to migrate under the dividers into the next compartment.  So, what are folks using these days and perhaps some pointers to Amazon.

Thanks,

Brian

[ebclr]

This box are very nice, availabel in Amazon and wallmart



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QJGW6C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[whitevamp]

I have been using Plano  stowaway boxes.
http://www.planomolding.com/fishing/stowaway-utility-boxes
they are for fishing gear, so the resistors etc. don't go under the dividers, and they have on the lid some ridges so that it kinda locks the dividers in place from the top so you can turn the box upside down and not worrie about things migrating to a different compartment.

[ebclr]

For smaller things




https://www.amazon.com/Wen-Tai-Component-Small-Part-Snap-Organizer/dp/B00EINM3BE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_328_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51eEn4JXjJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=NS1MWC4ECZ958FBRHHEG

[David Hess]

I like the Akro Mills storage cabinet with the wider drawers because typical leaded parts will fit sideways allowing 3 (or 5) divisions of parts per drawer:

https://akro-mils.com/Products/Types/Portable-Small-Parts-Storage/Plastic-Cabinets/10124

For static sensitive parts or where I do not want the parts rolling around, I cut sheets of anti-static foam to line the drawers.

[raptor1956]

The bead organizer looks pretty good for SMD and when I add SMD to my collection I might just go for that.  At present I have only through hole and mostly TTL stuff at that. 

I'm kind of torn between flat boxes with compartments and mini cabinets with drawers.  The upside to the flat boxes is they tend to be deeper and when stacked can store more in a smaller space, but it is a bit more work finding stuff.


Brian

[TimFox]

I like the Akro Mills storage cabinet with the wider drawers because typical leaded parts will fit sideways allowing 3 (or 5) divisions of parts per drawer:

https://akro-mils.com/Products/Types/Portable-Small-Parts-Storage/Plastic-Cabinets/10124

For static sensitive parts or where I do not want the parts rolling around, I cut sheets of anti-static foam to line the drawers.

I also like this series of cabinets.  They are available with two different drawer widths.  The big advantage of this type of cabinet over the lidded boxes is that, as ones collection grows, it is easy to re-arrange the drawers within the cabinets to keep the components organized.

[David Hess]

I like the Akro Mills storage cabinet with the wider drawers because typical leaded parts will fit sideways allowing 3 (or 5) divisions of parts per drawer:

https://akro-mils.com/Products/Types/Portable-Small-Parts-Storage/Plastic-Cabinets/10124

For static sensitive parts or where I do not want the parts rolling around, I cut sheets of anti-static foam to line the drawers.

I also like this series of cabinets.  They are available with two different drawer widths.  The big advantage of this type of cabinet over the lidded boxes is that, as ones collection grows, it is easy to re-arrange the drawers within the cabinets to keep the components organized.

Or three drawer sizes counting the really big ones but the smaller wide drawers are best in most cases.

They used to make these cabinets in metal and in a lot more sizes but now the only one with all wide drawers is the one I linked.  The older plastic ones were also stackable but I do not think the current ones are.

[setq]

I'm using ArtBin cases for storage for through hole components, in particular three of these for about 2500 stock parts:

http://www.artbin.com/en/crafts/site/details/6847AT

Ignoring the anti tarnish stuff, they are decent quality boxes with proper hinges and clips so they don't fall to bits after a few months. A trick to stop the dividers sliding up and things going underneath is go round them once with some tape and then slide them in - they stay put then. Also I tend to put only the taped/reeled components in the trays. I use components and then chuck the individual used ones in a sweepings bag if they are cheap discretes like transistors, resistors, capacitors and I'll just ebay this when it's full. I only tend to put trimmers, pots, large capacitors and switches back in the boxes as they are expensive and they're all too big to get stuck under the dividers.

ICs are in RS part 420-1409 storage box. Double layer, hard foam antistatic. Good quality.

[eugenenine]

I use various ones

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/_/N-1100377

[ez24]

https://www.amazon.com/Wen-Tai-Component-Small-Part-Snap-Organizer/dp/B00EINM3BE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_328_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51eEn4JXjJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=NS1MWC4ECZ958FBRHHEG

N/A   

[ez24]

If you are in need of space, zip lock bags with labels.

[techie1234]

These Stanley ones are great - nothing migrates from bin to bin:

https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-25-Removable-Compartment-Professional-Organizer/dp/B00005QWYF/

[rdl]

I only buy new parts from the major distributors, mostly Mouser because they are close by and regular shipping only takes one or two days. Whatever packaging the parts are shipped in is where they stay. Mostly it's various types of plastic bags. I store the bags in Sterilite plastic boxes with clamp on lids, similar to the one in reply #1. I keep a spreadsheet inventory of most parts and which box they are in is recorded there. I've been doing this for about the last 6 or 7 years. I do have a few of the Akro Mills storage cabinets for miscellaneous stuff, and a small one is full of various chips from years ago before I got smart.

[jh15]

I was thinking of this:http://www.tool-rank.com/tool-blog/News/mythbusters-adam-savage-shows-off-his-small-parts-organization-201209241292/

But you guys got me thinking.

[rfbroadband]

for SMD parts...

[David Hess]

If you are in need of space, zip lock bags with labels.

I do this for "bulk" parts and use real zip lock bags intended for shipping.  Some parts come packaged this way and I just keep them in the original bags until needed.

I had a whole reel of 1N270s which was getting old with glue degrading so I made loose bundles or strips of 100 diodes each and packaged them into clear plastic parts bags labeled with the diode part number and specifications.  They make good gifts for electronics minded friends because who cannot make use of 1N270 diodes?

[raptor1956]

Well, I ordered a couple of the Akro-Mills boxes -- the 64 bin version and the mixed one with both small and larger bins.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LDH3JC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P2UOCO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll see how these go and order more if/when I need to.

In addition, I have 8 tubs that are about 240mm x 170mm x 160mm I can use for bulk storage and larger items.  None of these are ESD but so long as you keep the vulnerable components in the ESD bags or sponges you should be OK.

Thanks for all the advise and feedback...


Brian

[KL27x]

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-163/Poly-Bag-Sealers/Tabletop-Impulse-Sealer-8?pricode=WY737&gadtype=pla&id=H-163&gclid=CJK4spvNsc4CFUSBfgodydkFtw&gclsrc=aw.ds

[JoeO]

Well, I ordered a couple of the Akro-Mills boxes -- the 64 bin version and the mixed one with both small and larger bins.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LDH3JC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P2UOCO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll see how these go and order more if/when I need to.

In addition, I have 8 tubs that are about 240mm x 170mm x 160mm I can use for bulk storage and larger items.  None of these are ESD but so long as you keep the vulnerable components in the ESD bags or sponges you should be OK.

Thanks for all the advise and feedback...


Brian

If you have a Home Depot near you they are $26.  Easy to return if they are broken or damaged.

[Brumby]

I was thinking about getting a few of these...



32 compartment - about 35 x 22 x 3.5 cm with the lid that seals off each compartment ... That is, well enough to stop bits 'transferring' from one compartment to another.  (Don't think I'd be too trusting for loose 0402 or 0201 stuff ... but then those things loose are only really good as 'sand'.)

I have a friend who imports craft products from the USA - so I might see if they can get them...

[ez24]

32 compartment - about 35 x 22 x 3.5 cm with the lid that seals off each compartment ... That is, well enough to stop bits 'transferring' from one compartment to another.  (Don't think I'd be too trusting for loose 0402 or 0201 stuff ... but then those things loose are only really good as 'sand'.)

I have a friend who imports craft products from the USA - so I might see if they can get them...

Here is a US Amazon link to a smaller one
A lot of compartments in a small size.  I am going to try a couple. thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-1157-11-13-7-Inch---8-6-Inch---1-37-Inch/dp/B001B0S2H6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470884570&sr=8-1&keywords=32+compartment+organizer

[Brumby]

That's the one.  (I converted the sizes to metric)

I notice you can get really good prices in the US.  If you can get some sent to Australia for double the price, you're doing well.

[raptor1956]

As I said I ordered the boxes and was expecting delivery today but Amazon didn't make good on there two day Prime guarantee -- guess I'll hit them up over it and see what they do.

In the mean time I've inventoried my stuff and have 175 line items some of which will not be going into the two Acro-Mils boxes.  I'm trying to figure out the best way to label the bins so that as inventory changes I don't have to redo the whole mess.  What way are you guys storing resistors?  Do you have a separate bin for each value and power rating?  Do you have a bin with, say, 3.9 and have all decades of 3.9 in the same bin?


Brian

[setq]

I keep the resistors on the tape they come in, write the value on and stick them in groups by value range. I don't hold a load of stock though (this is a path to disaster I found) and buy values on demand only from RS next day. I only buy quality parts and keep to certain constrained values and tolerances to keep things simple. These are all TE LR1F, Vishay MRS25 (both 0.6W 1% 50ppm), Bourns 3386 and one nice Bourns 10 turn which is quite handy to keep around. Anything used goes in a sweepings tray. No used parts go back in the storage boxes.

Have a photo.



Higher power resistors are bought and used straight away on breadboards. They never get stored.

[kripton2035]

I just bought 12 raaco racks of 30 drawers (used) on a local graig list for 100€
seems a very good deal ...

[krolu]

I like drawers, they are nice if you label everything in front, I'm always out of time for that and then searching my ass off when looking for something:

[Brumby]

Part of my problem is that I don't have acres of wall space - but I can arrange more 'depth'.  Pulling out one box with 32 compartments from a small area allows me to have more within reach than a comparatively shallow drawer system.

I keep getting told I've got too much crap.....  But I disagree.  The crap got thrown out a couple of years ago - after resting in the garage, undisturbed, for over 20 years.

[JoeO]

32 compartment - about 35 x 22 x 3.5 cm with the lid that seals off each compartment ... That is, well enough to stop bits 'transferring' from one compartment to another.  (Don't think I'd be too trusting for loose 0402 or 0201 stuff ... but then those things loose are only really good as 'sand'.)

I have a friend who imports craft products from the USA - so I might see if they can get them...

Here is a US Amazon link to a smaller one
A lot of compartments in a small size.  I am going to try a couple. thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Darice-1157-11-13-7-Inch---8-6-Inch---1-37-Inch/dp/B001B0S2H6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470884570&sr=8-1&keywords=32+compartment+organizer

Strange pricing on these items

1-pack is $6.97
2-pack is $14.29

They probably don't sell many 2-packs

[raptor1956]

I keep the resistors on the tape they come in, write the value on and stick them in groups by value range. I don't hold a load of stock though (this is a path to disaster I found) and buy values on demand only from RS next day. I only buy quality parts and keep to certain constrained values and tolerances to keep things simple. These are all TE LR1F, Vishay MRS25 (both 0.6W 1% 50ppm), Bourns 3386 and one nice Bourns 10 turn which is quite handy to keep around. Anything used goes in a sweepings tray. No used parts go back in the storage boxes.

Have a photo.



Higher power resistors are bought and used straight away on breadboards. They never get stored.

Yeah, I think I'll use some variation on the method you use.  But, I think I'll use more than 5 or 6 bins -- perhaps 2 or 3 bins per decade or 2 or 3 decades per bin.

I have some old project boxes with components still in them and I'l probably break them up, some of them anyway, and store the pieces.  Maybe not put them in the Acro-Mils bins but in one of the 8 tubs I mentioned before.

I have very few inductor's and as I have some SMPS ideas I'll have to rectify that but I need to bone up on the types of inductor's I'll need.  I have a bunch of electrolytic and ceramic disc capacitors but all of them are in the 15-25 year old range though they should still be in good shape as they haven't seen any really high temps.

Amazon says my Acro-Mils storage boxes have arrived so maybe I'll have this all sorted out within a day or so.


Brian

[eugenenine]

Well, I ordered a couple of the Akro-Mills boxes -- the 64 bin version and the mixed one with both small and larger bins.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LDH3JC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P2UOCO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll see how these go and order more if/when I need to.

In addition, I have 8 tubs that are about 240mm x 170mm x 160mm I can use for bulk storage and larger items.  None of these are ESD but so long as you keep the vulnerable components in the ESD bags or sponges you should be OK.

Thanks for all the advise and feedback...


Brian

I used to use these but found them too easy to spill or knock over the whole cabinet.  I prefer the boxes now where the lids shut.

[eugenenine]

Does anyone remember the small boxes radio shack used to sell for about $4.  Digikey sold assortment kits in the same ones as well.  I have a plastic toolbox that those fit in perfectly but it doesn't appear digikey or radio shack sells them anymore.  I want to find a couple more of that size.

[raptor1956]

Well, I ordered a couple of the Akro-Mills boxes -- the 64 bin version and the mixed one with both small and larger bins.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LDH3JC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P2UOCO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll see how these go and order more if/when I need to.

In addition, I have 8 tubs that are about 240mm x 170mm x 160mm I can use for bulk storage and larger items.  None of these are ESD but so long as you keep the vulnerable components in the ESD bags or sponges you should be OK.

Thanks for all the advise and feedback...


Brian

I used to use these but found them too easy to spill or knock over the whole cabinet.  I prefer the boxes now where the lids shut.

That is a concern so I plan to secure them so they don't tip or fall.  Living in an apartment and not being able to build a more permanent shop/lab means I have to make do with less than ideal benches etc -- in my case I'm using a wire rack steel shelf unit that's 48" wide and about 18" deep by 72" high not only for my test equipment but also for my parts storage.  I've also secured my work table to it.  So, not nearly as secure as a full on wooden bench with 2x4 construction but, again, living in an apartment has its limitations.

Looking at the Acro-Mils boxes there's tab slots at the top of the back and I may attach some angle aluminum across both of them then tie the angle to the wire rack.  Instead of putting the boxes down on the wire shelf I have some 5mm thick peg-board I've painted flat black that I place on the wire shelf then the boxes go on top of that.  I did the same with my test equipment.  The o'scope was a bit of a problem as it would slip back when pushing the buttons on occasion but I fixed that by gluing down a bit of MDF to lock the feet in place and it no longer slides around.

I hope to have some picture up in a few days when I have this sorted out...


Brian

[eugenenine]

I don't have a permanent spot either.  Thats why I used things like http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/tackle-storage/tackle-boxes|/pc/104793480/c/104777280/sc/104621580/plano-174-4-by-8482-rack-system-8482-tackle-storage/1160433.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ftackle-boxes%2F_%2FN-1100379%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104621580

They go in my closet when not in use them I carry them to where I'm going to work,

[george graves]

My DIY SMD resistors and caps - more info here: http://www.digitalunderpants.com/diy-smd-resistor-capacitor-kit/

[setq]

I just throw the SMD parts in the bin after I'm done on a project - they're stupid cheap now!

[ez24]

I just throw the SMD parts in the bin after I'm done on a project - they're stupid cheap now!

People have different values.  I have a friend who has an income of over $1,000 a day and will spend a half of a day recycling bottles for $20.  I know if he had any SMDs, he would sweep them up and sort through them.  There are all kinds in this world.

[Brumby]

Does anyone remember the small boxes radio shack used to sell for about $4.  Digikey sold assortment kits in the same ones as well.  I have a plastic toolbox that those fit in perfectly but it doesn't appear digikey or radio shack sells them anymore.  I want to find a couple more of that size.

Is this what you meant?  213mm long by 115mm deep (plus 2 hinges that poke out 4mm) by 38mm high.

It was a capacitor assortment from Tandy (RadioShack on Australian shores).  It had a green card (if I remember correctly) with the contents listed.  Some of those are probably still in there.... Maybe they all are....

I'm thinking I have another one buried somewhere.

[setq]

I just throw the SMD parts in the bin after I'm done on a project - they're stupid cheap now!

People have different values.  I have a friend who has an income of over $1,000 a day and will spend a half of a day recycling bottles for $20.  I know if he had any SMDs, he would sweep them up and sort through them.  There are all kinds in this world.

It's a balance of time and money. Money is variable with effort. Time is not something you get to control.

[Cerebus]

For smaller things




https://www.amazon.com/Wen-Tai-Component-Small-Part-Snap-Organizer/dp/B00EINM3BE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_328_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51eEn4JXjJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=NS1MWC4ECZ958FBRHHEG

I recently bought 50 of the smallest of those for £7.99 GBP from a Chinese vendor on Ebay and they represent very good value for money. I've reduced all my active SMD component storage from a couple of scruffy disorganized boxes of anti-static bags to a tray smaller than a letter/A4 sheet of paper.

[kripton2035]

these are very nice for smd storage. I have one and almost all smd fits in ...
http://aidetek.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=A&Product_Code=BOX-ALL&Category_Code=Encl

[eugenenine]

Does anyone remember the small boxes radio shack used to sell for about $4.  Digikey sold assortment kits in the same ones as well.  I have a plastic toolbox that those fit in perfectly but it doesn't appear digikey or radio shack sells them anymore.  I want to find a couple more of that size.

Is this what you meant?  213mm long by 115mm deep (plus 2 hinges that poke out 4mm) by 38mm high.

It was a capacitor assortment from Tandy (RadioShack on Australian shores).  It had a green card (if I remember correctly) with the contents listed.  Some of those are probably still in there.... Maybe they all are....

I'm thinking I have another one buried somewhere.

That looks similar.  RS used to sell them for $4-5 empty and I got an assortment from digikey in one the same size.   I have a toolbox that looks like it was meant for them as it will hold 10 perfectly.  I have 7 so I want to get three more to fill in the 'missing' ones.

[raptor1956]

I ordered some boxes to store my wires, cables and adapters -- they should be here in a few days.  I built a pigeon hole rack around my instruments and the boxes will go into the pigeon holes to keep the cables clean and organized.

Should have some pics up in the 'show your lab' thread in a few days...


Brian

[eugenenine]

hmm, if they made a case like the aidetek case kripton2035 posted but with the modular inserts like the ones ebclr posted.

Some of these look handy too http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/107/57000-1802.pdf

[raptor1956]

I received the shipment of three different sized boxes today and have already placed an order for a bunch more -- they work great for my application.

The smallest one fits my small pigeon holes and is appropriate for adapters etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ARYB6A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The medium sized ones work almost perfectly in most places and I've ordered a total of 8 of them.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XSK8T6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There are a couple spots with more room and the largest box fits that very nicely.  My scope probes and BNC stuff will go in there.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ARYB8I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


What I like about these boxes is that they seal well but don't require a huge increase in length or width to have the closure mechanism.  Many boxes waste 25% of the width and length for the rim and lid closure so you wind up with a storage volume about half of what it could be.  These boxes are more efficient this way and they fit my rack nicely.  My pigeon hole rack is 11.75" deep and the two smaller boxes can be put two to a hole.  I have 11 places I can use for storage and can use upwards of 21 boxes so I can keep things nicely organized.

Again, I'll upload some pics in a few days to the 'show us your lab' thread.  Maybe add a youtube video as well...


Brian

[ez24]

How about the ammo cans sold at Costco stores (not online)?
They stack and will outlast any plastic, they can be used for anything

[raptor1956]

Ammo cans are way too big and you can't see into them making it a bit harder to know what you're getting.  Yes, I've labeled everything, but being able to see inside makes it just that little bit quicker to find what you want.

Now if I was hording actual ammo then ammo cans would be the way to go...


Brian

[jonwil]

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.

[bill.coghill]

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 love the Fischer boxes. Bunning used to stock them but now they only have a cheap Chinese clone.

I mainly use the 5 slot smaller ones for connectors and parts like LEDs.
I don't know if I trust them for ESD sensitive parts however !

I also use a lot of the stacking IKEA boxes which are cheap enough, have lids and hold all the Digi-Key snaplocks nicely.

Bill

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[bill.coghill]

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 love the Fischer boxes. Bunning used to stock them but now they only have a cheap Chinese clone.

I mainly use the 5 slot smaller ones for connectors and parts like LEDs.
I don't know if I trust them for ESD sensitive parts however !

I also use a lot of the stacking IKEA boxes which are cheap enough, have lids and hold all the Digi-Key snaplocks nicely.

Bill

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Sorry. Just noticed I replied to a thread from 2016. They joys of browsing eevblog forum and not really paying attention !

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[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.