Artie Jones wrote:
> Can anyone suggest inexpensive containers that might be suitable for this
> purpose??? Storage containers should be inexpensive.

I've been using the Raaco A45 and A46 boxes for component storage -- they're 
fine for larger SMDs, as long as you push the orange dividers down all the way 
(they're a bit stiff and tend not to go all the way down). I've had issues 
with 0805 parts slipping under the dividers and getting mixed up though. A bit 
of hot glue or Araldite sorts it, but for what they cost they aren't up to much.

The A4 Assorter boxes are much better built, and have separate moulded 
compartments (no dividers). Not as versatile, but less risk of SMDs getting 
mixed up. They are expensive though (which is why I've only got two of them!)

Maplin have recently started stocking these: 
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=26150

They're relatively cheap, the dividers are movable and lock into the plastic 
with a nice 'snap', and there's no gap between the divider and the box itself. 
  I've been using them for resistor kits -- one box will divide into twelve 
compartments that are just the right size for axial-leaded resistors on paper 
strips. Three boxes are enough to cover the E12 range from 10R to 1Meg.

I tend to keep SMDs on the plastic or paper tapes though, with a written label 
on the tape to ID them (usually just a Farnell stock number, component value 
and size -- e.g. "MF25 680R 123-4567 RoHS" = metal film 1/4W, 680 ohms, P/N 
123-4567, RoHS compliant). I tend to use a silver or gold paint marker for 
black plastic tapes and a black Stabilo Write4All for the paper tapes. Works 
pretty well for the most part, but the silver/gold marker tends to wear off 
after a lot of handling. The black marker, not so much.

-- 
Phil.
piclist@philpem.me.uk
http://www.philpem.me.uk/
-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist