At 08:37 AM 3/1/2011, M. Adam Davis wrote: >I typically only de-reel smt components when I'm about to build >several prototypes. Once I do, I usually use cheap bead containers >for the non static sensitive stuff: > >http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll164/stienman/44265861.jpg I use little aluminum "watchmaker cases" from Lee Valley Tools for=20 holding parts for=20 hand-assembly.=20 The boxes of 20- 33mm work well (item "B" in the picture). I use=20 label tape to mark both the clear glass lid as well as the inside of=20 the aluminum container with the part value. But they serve a different purpose from the storage container that=20 the OP first talked about. The storage containers with the=20 individual lids work well for holding a unified assortment of=20 components, whether they be resistors or capacitors. I'm typically=20 pulling only one or two components out of that assortment at any=20 given time. In other words, they are for prototyping or repair. The little aluminum containers are for small assembly runs. I=20 de-reel somewhat more components that I actually need and put all=20 those parts into the little aluminum containers. The aluminum case=20 that holds the individual containers serves to keep them together and=20 less susceptible to tipping or spilling. FWIW - I bake all of the larger-value ceramic capacitors (larger than=20 1n0) while sitting in those containers so that the capacitors don't=20 get killed from soldering. It takes far less baking time when the=20 capacitors aren't sealed inside the tape on the reel. I bake at 80C=20 for an hour or so. Obviously, the glass lid is removed while baking. dwayne --=20 Dwayne Reid Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax www.trinity-electronics.com Custom Electronics Design and Manufacturing --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .