Surface mount component storage tip.

If, like me, you're always making circuits up or repairing stuff, and minimum ordering quantities are always more than you need, you'll end up with more parts than you need.

With through hole components, it's not so much of an issue. Some of those compartmentalised boxes, and a few hours sorting out the parts makes an easy storage solution. Not so much with tiny SMD components. The parts are sometimes not fully marked, especially MLC capacitors, so it's best to keep them in their respective bags, or write the value on the tape. Even so it's all a bit unweildy.

I'm a big fan of these Chinese sample books.

They're about A5 in size, and great for storing a reasonable amount of stock in a small space.










No amount of trawling the internet reveals a supplier :(

So, after a bit of thought, and I order some of these Photo albums for very little money from eBay.

(looks like they're out of stock now... but the seller seems good, arriving promptly and well packaged)





Compact in size...


















Lots of 6"x 4" (15.24cm x 10.16cm) pouches, that I can put my parts in, and label each pouch with a sharpie.









Excellent. Put an Index on the first page, and you'll easily find your parts!