Cardboard Component Storage

The other day I was playing around with some electronics, making circuits and such, but when i looked over at my electronics box which at the time was just a Tupperware tub i realized what a mess it was, wires all tangled and mixed up, i couldn't find anything in the box.

So i was just about to go out and buy one of those plastic component storage boxes, but i saw a pile of cardboard lurking in the corner of my room. I'm pretty sure there was a light-bulb above my head at this point. And since i hate public transport with a passion i decided i would try to make one before i sat in a bus full of old people for an hour.

It was pretty easy to make, the hardest part were the measurements, but I've done that for you now :)

Now its really easy to find what i want fast, also being able to see all the components makes it easier to think of ideas !

Step 1 Get Some Cardboard !

Pretty easy to find.
Everyone has some laying around.

If you dont have any:

• Ask freinds
• Ask in shops
• Look behind shops
• Ask at supermarkets
• Ask Parents
• Go to recycling center
• Ask anywhere that sells things, they will have some

It doesn't matter if the cardboard has tape on it, you can pull it off or just leave it on, it makes no difference :)

Comments

[Krossculture]

Love this!! I want to make mine with lined scrapping paper. I can't wait to try it. These kind of organizers are expensive in stores. Thank you for sharing! Very cool! Excellent instruction.
Cheers!

[josh1324]

here's mine that i made out of a converse shoebox:

[lifesart]

excellent way to make holiday tree ornament storage boxes. not to mention all the craft tools and pieces. being able to customize the sizes is fantastic. thanks!

[Schooniedude]

very nice! if you built more you could make a box to hold them in. Like the lower utility boxes in this pic.

[knektek]

you should use P.V.A instead of hot glue. use masking tape to hold it together at first, then apply adhesive. when fully dry, paint it whatever colour you want. when dry, dip the whole thing in a P.V.A : water (1:2) and allow to dry. it just makes it sturdier and more colourful! How about one different colour for one box. tonal scale? rainbow? colour wheel?

[urbanwoodswalker]

Why is PVA glue better than hot glue?  I use hot glue for its ease and super quick adhesive qualities.

[knektek]

PVA is stronger than hot glue. But hot glue has it's advantages.

[Pizzapie500]

Sweet i'll build this for my knex!

[whiskey_14]

thanks I had a meggy jr. box that need some loving!

[jellvi]

This is fantastic!!   Has been frustrating looking for boxes that would fit various size stuff.    Not only is this sturdy, but can customized the size of the compartments.   Eliminates a lot of wasted space.   Thanks for sharing the instructible !!!

[teralcor]

Could you please tel me what you have attached on the top side of the dividers. Is it regular tape or something else? By the way the concept is great because this is the first one that looks stable (sturdy?). Every one that crossed my way was loose, and deforming itself when you add more stuff in it.
Great job. Thanks for sharing the idea.

[=SMART=]

Thanks !
Yes the white stuff is just normal tape its actually electrical tape but any tape will do fine :)

[teralcor]

thanks. Keep the good work. ;)

[ixisuprflyixi]

Great idea. I built one and put a little window in the lid and magnets in the wavy cross-section area of the lid and base to hold it closed. works great and cost me nothing but time.  Thanks for the idea. 

[Tchnclfl]

Thanks for the instructive and detailed tutorial!  I used it to create a box out of, er...excess cardboard I had laying around from the time I accidentally over ordered Boxes from USPS...It's nowhere near full, but it will be soon :D!

Here's a picture:

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6969/1119092025.jpg

[=SMART=]

Awesome ! Nice work !
now to collect more components :P

[Tchnclfl]

I'm expecting quite a lot for Christmas, including an Arduino Duemilanove and a bunch of components. :)

[__Master_]

Depending on what you put in the box you should not put magnetic lid beacuse it could damage ic and components

ya that is why u use velcro

[the-guy]

This is great. And it looks better than the most plastic ones. Once I made one of paper. It still works, but yours is definitely better.

[Jayefuu]

Congrats SMART! You're going to need a new wardrobe for all your tshirts soon :p

[Jonas412]

Depending on what you put in the box you should not put magnetic lid beacuse it could damage ic and components

[Jonas412]

but nice instructable

[sharlston]

hi smart im gonna make one out of duct tape also you have 17 votes i also voted for you keep up the good work

[=SMART=]

Thanks !!!

[sharlston]

im gonna make one in a altoids tun and give u credit that alright?

[hardlec]

how do I vote for this in the Gorilla glue contest

[=SMART=]

There is a button at the top of the page ! Thanks

[Ethanal]

Nice job! Wouldn't it be easier to store wire on a roll?

[=SMART=]

Yea it would, i diddnt have any rolls small enough :(

[Ethanal]

You could use an empty roll of thread.

[=SMART=]

Good idea Could you vote for me in the contest please ?

[Ethanal]

Sure. I was going to enter, but I ran out of time.

[=SMART=]

Thanks

[mbainrot]

You got my vote mate :) Keep up the awesome work :D

[=SMART=]

Cheers mate :)

[mbainrot]

Mate, thanks for the tutorial :D 5/5 :)

[=SMART=]

Voting is open for the contest now !

[=SMART=]

Thanks for reading !!

[Spaceman Spiff]

Sweetness!!! I'm making one!

[=SMART=]

Could you vote for me in the contest please ?